London, September 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan’s debate over creating new provinces has intensified after Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir backed the idea of restructuring the country’s administrative map, prompting calls from political leaders for the proposal to be taken forward.
Munir raised the issue while addressing business leaders in Karachi. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi subsequently urged political parties to “settle” the matter, while MQM-P leaders also expressed support for the proposal.
According to the source report, proposals being discussed envisage restructuring Pakistan’s existing four provinces into as many as 12 administrative units. However, no official map, detailed draft or clearly defined criteria for the proposed reorganisation have emerged so far.
The proposal has triggered a wider political debate over federalism, administrative efficiency, devolution and the distribution of political power. MQM-P held a rally in Karachi on September 21 demanding new administrative units across Pakistan, including in Sindh, with party leaders arguing that smaller units could improve governance and access to resources.
The development also comes after significant constitutional changes in Pakistan. The 27th Constitutional Amendment created the post of Chief of Defence Forces, held concurrently by the army chief, and altered the country’s military command structure. It also provided lifetime immunity from prosecution to five-star military officers.
The source report characterises these changes as part of what it calls a “constitutional coup” and argues that further provincial reorganisation could alter the balance between the federal government and provincial political institutions. These are the report’s interpretations rather than established findings.
Debate over new provinces is not new in Pakistan. Recent discussions have included proposals involving South Punjab, Karachi, Pothohar and other regions, with participants citing governance, population growth, resource distribution and stronger local governments as reasons for creating smaller administrative units.
The latest push has therefore added a new dimension to an existing debate, with political parties and other stakeholders now facing questions over the number, boundaries and constitutional basis of any proposed new provinces.
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