Debate Intensifies on Creating New Provinces in Pakistan

The ongoing national debate on the creation of new administrative units and provinces has seen further discussion, including a debate held by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI). During this debate, Mian Amer Mahmood and Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry shared their perspectives on the necessity and implications of creating new provinces.

Sardar Yousaf has revealed that talks have taken place with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the creation of Hazara province. This comes as Sardar Yousaf also thanked Abdul Aleem Khan for his support for the Hazara province demand.

Separately, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) announced its initiative to begin a 'grand national dialogue' on the creation of new provinces today, August 16.

In a related development, Abdul Aleem Khan has expressed support for the demand to create a Hazara province.

Farooq Sattar has clarified that the creation of new administrative units does not imply the division of Sindh.

In a new development, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has announced its intention to move the Supreme Court regarding the creation of new provinces. This comes as Ijaz-ul-Haq stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will oppose the creation of new provinces.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) announced on Sunday, August 16, 2026, its initiative to begin a "grand national dialogue" on the creation of new provinces. MQM-P Chairman Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stated in Karachi that the party would approach other political parties for talks on the matter. He emphasized that existing provinces were not created with legal merits and were based on linguistic grounds, and that more administrative units are needed due to the country's growing population. Dr. Siddiqui noted that MQM-P has advocated for this for 40 years and expressed gratitude that other parties are now favoring this long-standing demand. He clarified that MQM-P seeks new administrative units across the country, not just in Sindh, though the case for provinces is "strongest" in Sindh.

A member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has moved a resolution for the creation of Hazara province.

Prime Minister's Advisor for Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has stated that no plan has been made yet regarding the creation of new provinces. He mentioned that various numbers, such as 12, 32, or 20 provinces, are being discussed without any concrete proposal. Rana Sanaullah clarified that authorities have not discussed the matter with the government, nor has it been debated in the cabinet or parliament. He challenged federal ministers advocating for new provinces to present a written formula. He also noted that there is no popular public demand for new provinces, except for the Hazara province.

Reports indicate that all major political parties have reached a consensus on the creation of new administrative units and provinces. This development suggests a significant shift in the ongoing debate regarding provincial restructuring in Pakistan.