Pakistan weighs 12-province plan, nationwide referendum

Pakistan is considering a major administrative overhaul to create 12 provinces from its existing four, with a nationwide referendum proposed ahead of the 28th Constitutional Amendment.

The plan aims to improve governance, streamline administration and ensure a more balanced distribution of development benefits, The News reported on Sunday (November 8).

Under the proposal, Punjab would be divided into four provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan into three each, and Sindh into two.

Preparatory work could begin in the first quarter of 2027, while discussions on the constitutional amendment may take place in the first half of the year, according to sources familiar with the proposal.

A nationwide referendum is being considered to gauge public opinion before the constitutional process begins. However, the proposal remains under consideration, with provincial boundaries and administrative arrangements yet to be finalised.