Islamabad (The COW News Digital) Pakistan’s proposed restructuring into 12 provinces could be implemented only after the 2029 general elections, even if the required constitutional amendments are approved next year, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The proposed administrative reorganisation is expected to face major financial, constitutional and administrative challenges, with the distribution of resources under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, water-sharing arrangements and settlement of financial liabilities emerging as the key issues.
Sources said that the existing provincial governments and assemblies would continue functioning until the next general elections, even if constitutional legislation for the proposed restructuring is passed in 2027. The new provincial framework would reportedly come into effect after the 2029 electoral process.
Under the proposal, Pakistan’s four existing provinces could be reorganised into 12 administrative units. Punjab may be divided into four provinces, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan could each be split into three. Sindh is proposed to be divided into two provinces.
The plan would increase the total number of provinces from four to 12, but its implementation would require political consensus on several sensitive matters involving the financial and economic rights of the existing provinces and their proposed successor units.
One of the most significant obstacles would be the distribution of resources under the NFC Award.
At present, the provincial share of federal divisible revenues is distributed among the four provinces according to an established formula. The creation of eight additional provinces would raise questions about how the existing provincial allocations should be divided among the 12 proposed units.
Policymakers would need to determine whether the current formula could accommodate the new administrative structure or whether a revised resource-sharing mechanism would be required.
The allocation of financial resources could become a major point of disagreement among the existing provinces and the proposed new units.
The distribution of water resources is another major concern. Water availability, irrigation requirements and agricultural dependence have already remained sensitive issues in several regions of Pakistan.
The creation of new provinces could require fresh agreements or mechanisms to determine how existing water allocations would be divided among the newly established administrative units.
The third major challenge would involve settling financial liabilities. The restructuring process would require clarity over outstanding financial obligations, debts, transfers and dues involving the federal government and provincial administrations.
Authorities would also need to determine how assets, liabilities and financial entitlements would be distributed among the proposed successor provinces.
The proposed restructuring would require extensive consultations among the federal government, provincial governments and other stakeholders before implementation.
Although constitutional amendments could reportedly be considered next year, the proposal remains subject to agreement on the administrative framework, resource distribution and financial arrangements.
The 2029 elections are being cited as the possible transition point for implementing the new provincial structure, allowing the existing governments and assemblies to complete their current terms.
The proposal could significantly reshape Pakistan’s administrative map. However, the final boundaries, constitutional process and implementation arrangements have yet to be settled.
