عمیر محمود

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has reignited debate over creating new provinces or administrative units in Pakistan, arguing that the existing system has collapsed, debt is rising and governance must be brought closer to the public. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says he broadly agrees with reform but criticizes Naqvi for making the proposal at an economic summit rather than through parliament and cabinet, sarcastically urging him to begin with his own ministry. The military’s spokesperson supports examining governance reforms while stressing that any changes must be decided by political parties, elected representatives and democratic institutions. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal favors either empowering local governments or creating 15 to 18 provinces, whereas the Pakistan Peoples Party says new provinces must follow the constitutional process, including approval by the affected provincial assembly and two-thirds majorities in the relevant legislatures. Analysts argue that the failure to empower district governments is driving the debate, but warn that Naqvi’s criticism of the system is also a serious political challenge.