The debate over the creation of new provinces in Pakistan has resurfaced after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called for discussions among political parties on establishing new administrative units, saying reforms were needed to improve governance.
The issue has gained attention following renewed discussions on social media, where maps showing possible divisions of the country’s existing provinces into smaller administrative units have been circulating. However, the creation of new provinces requires a strict constitutional process under the 1973 Constitution.
🚨 موجودہ سسٹم تباہ ہو چکا ہے،10 سال بعد بھی یہی مسائل بتا رہے ہوں گے، جمہوریت میں بھی تین چار،پانچ قسم کے نظام ہیں،لیکن بضد ہیں کہ اسی کو گھسیٹنا ہے۔
وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی pic.twitter.com/RYIeVodKIq
— Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) July 30, 2026
Article 239 of the Constitution outlines the procedure for creating new provinces or altering provincial boundaries.
Under Article 239(4), a constitutional amendment for establishing a new province must first be introduced in the provincial assembly of the province that is proposed to be divided.
The resolution must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the provincial assembly. If the provincial assembly rejects the proposal, the process ends at that stage.
After approval by the provincial assembly, the amendment bill must be passed by both houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the Senate, with a two-thirds majority in each chamber.
Once approved by the provincial assembly, National Assembly and Senate, the bill is sent to the President for final approval. After the President signs it, the amendment becomes law and a new province can officially be established.
At present, no single political party holds a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, Senate or provincial assemblies, making political consensus essential. This was also highlighted by Mohsin Naqvi, who said all political parties would need to work together to move forward on the issue.
