Pakistan’s parliament is expected to take up the controversial issue of new provinces and administrative units in October, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Thursday.
The debate follows Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s call for new provinces and administrative reforms earlier this year. Naqvi argued that the existing governance system had “collapsed”.
Chaudhry said both the National Assembly and Senate are expected to meet in October, creating an opportunity for lawmakers to discuss the proposal.
Parliament to Discuss New Provinces
“There is no National Assembly session this month; however, sessions of both the National Assembly and Senate are expected in October. The discussions will be held whenever the sessions are convened,” Chaudhry said.
He described parliament as the “proper forum” for discussing the formation of new provinces. He also stressed that lawmakers would consult political parties before reaching any decision.
“Parliament can hold a debate on any topic — the National Assembly has representation from all four provinces, while the Senate has equal representation from each province. Every decision made here would be taken after consultations with all political parties,” Chaudhry said.
Moreover, he expressed hope for a “healthy discussion” during the upcoming parliamentary session.
Islamabad Governance Model Under Review
Chaudhry also explained that the proposed reforms involve more than creating new provinces. He said the government wants to introduce a new governance model for Islamabad while maintaining its federal status.
“I am hopeful that before making a decision on forming new provinces or administrative units in the provinces, we will bring forward Islamabad’s governance model as a formal act.
“While maintaining the federal status of Islamabad, we will form Islamabad’s first legislative assembly,” he stated.
The minister clarified that Islamabad would not become a province. Instead, the government plans to strengthen its existing federal governance structure.
Five-Member Committee Prepares Draft
According to Chaudhry, a five-member committee appointed by the prime minister has prepared the proposed governance framework.
The draft would establish a legislative body and place relevant institutions under a chief executive or mayor.
“It is a very simple model. We did not prepare this draft with any personal contrivance; it was prepared after studying existing governance models in various capitals around the world and their applicable plans,” he said.
Chaudhry added that he remains in contact with political parties. He plans to share the draft and incorporate constructive recommendations.
The government will also consult Islamabad’s bar, business community, residents and intellectuals before finalising the proposal.
Debate Follows Controversial Province Proposal
Naqvi had previously urged political parties to discuss governance reforms and the creation of new provinces.
His proposal triggered a strong political reaction. The PPP referred the issue to its top decision-making forum, while the Sindh chief minister rejected the idea.
Meanwhile, lawyers in Lahore described the proposal as unconstitutional, while Sindhi nationalist groups demanded Naqvi’s resignation.
As parliament prepares to debate the issue, consultations with political parties and stakeholders could shape the government’s final approach to new provinces and Islamabad’s governance.
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