Pakistan’s Plan for 12 Provinces Comes Under Discussion

Islamabad: A proposal to increase Pakistan’s four provinces to 12 has reportedly come under discussion, with a possible constitutional amendment being considered for 2027.According to a report published by The News on November 8, the proposed arrangement would divide Punjab into four provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan into three each, and Sindh into two.Sources cited in the report said a nationwide referendum could be considered to seek public opinion before proceeding with constitutional changes.Preliminary discussions reportedly include the possibility of beginning preparations in early 2027 and considering a constitutional amendment during the first half of the year.Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has also supported creating smaller provinces for administrative reasons, saying the move should aim to improve public services rather than serve ethnic or political interests.However, the proposal has not received final government approval. Provincial boundaries, new capitals and administrative arrangements have not been decided.A separate report published on November 9 suggests that even if the required constitutional changes are approved in 2027, implementation could take place after the 2029 general elections.The proposal remains under discussion, and Pakistan’s existing four provinces have not been divided.