One question often dominates our regular discussions: Why has Pakistan, despite its 78 years of existence, not been able to achieve the development as envisioned by its forefathers? Among many principal causes, provinces of gargantuan sizes, or in other terms, large administrative units, can be considered one of the main reasons for this abject failure. The need to establish new provinces in Pakistan has been emphasized for a long time. However, the issue is always put on the back burner owing to a litany of political complications that could be sorted out with consensus gentium if there is a will to do so. If this matter, which is equally important at the political, administrative, and public levels, can be addressed with sincerity and due planning, many benefits can be realized in terms of good governance and hassle-free administration. Creating smaller provinces, for instance, would grant each administrative unit greater authority over its budget and development agenda, potentially leading to a more equitable and balanced distribution of resources. It would also help ensure fairer political representation at the federal level, allowing communities to be represented according to their cultural, linguistic, and geographical identities. This, in turn, could reduce longstanding feelings of marginalization, foster greater inter-provincial trust, and further strengthen the federation.
One of the most significant advantages of such a move would be the devolution of power, bringing governance closer to the people. The people would no longer be compelled to travel long distances to provincial capitals to resolve their fundamental issues. Instead, local governments would be more accessible, responsive, and directly accountable to their constituents, reducing opportunities for corruption and administrative inefficiency while encouraging greater public participation. Establishing new provincial assemblies, secretariats, and government departments would generate employment and stimulate economic activity in underdeveloped areas. Additionally, service delivery in critical sectors such as health, education, energy, and infrastructure could be more effectively aligned with local needs and priorities, contributing to sustainable, inclusive development. For the most part, if provinces are divided into small administrative units based on equal population portions, not only will their administration be more effective and easier, but the excessive burden on bureaucracy will also be reduced to a large extent, which will pave the way for immediate solutions to local problems.
As things currently stand, there appears to be little political will or strategic momentum to expand this structure or introduce new administrative divisions to enhance governance and service delivery. While resistance to the formation of new provinces is often rooted in political maneuvering and point-scoring, a serious assessment of both long-term and immediate governance needs suggests that administrative decentralization is imperative. Creating additional provinces could help ensure a more equitable distribution of resources, improve local representation, and accelerate regional development. However, meaningful reform requires consensus among political stakeholders—an outcome unlikely to materialize without a fundamental shift in mindset. Overcoming an entrenched tribal mindset is essential if Pakistan is to move towards a more functional and representative administrative model. ‘Small is beautiful,’ says E. F. Schumacher, a German-born economist. His sane advice is equally valid for Pakistan, too, thus making a strong case for new provinces.