Pakistan is considering a nationwide referendum on a proposed plan to create 12 provinces, with a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment expected to be considered in 2027.
Pakistan is considering a major administrative restructuring plan that could increase the number of provinces from four to 12, with a nationwide referendum proposed to seek public opinion before moving towards a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment.
According to sources familiar with the proposal, preparatory work could begin during the first quarter of 2027, while the constitutional amendment may be considered in the first half of the year. However, the proposal remains at an initial stage, and no final decision has been made.
Under the proposed arrangement, Punjab could be divided into four provinces, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan could each be divided into three. Sindh may be reorganised into two administrative units. If implemented, the plan would increase Pakistan’s total number of provinces to 12.
A nationwide referendum is being considered as an important step before the formal constitutional process begins. The proposed exercise would allow citizens across the country to express their views on creating additional provinces and provide public input on the proposed restructuring.
Sources said the initiative was not intended to weaken existing provinces or undermine their political and administrative positions. Instead, the proposal is being considered in response to population growth, governance challenges and unequal development across different regions.
Supporters of the proposed restructuring believe smaller provinces could improve governance by bringing government institutions closer to citizens. They argue that smaller administrative units could make it easier to identify local needs, monitor development projects and improve access to public services.
The proposal also aims to address concerns about the distribution of development resources. Its supporters believe reorganising administrative boundaries could help authorities focus more effectively on regional priorities and improve accountability in public service delivery.
However, the creation of additional provinces remains a politically sensitive issue in Pakistan. Questions surrounding regional identity, political representation, provincial boundaries and resource distribution have historically made the debate complex.
A nationwide public consultation is being considered as a way to build broader agreement on the proposed changes. Nevertheless, a referendum alone would not settle the constitutional, financial and administrative questions involved in establishing new provinces.
Any implementation would require extensive political and parliamentary discussions, particularly regarding provincial boundaries, financial arrangements, constitutional protections and the transfer of administrative powers.
For now, the proposal remains under consideration, with no officially finalised framework or confirmed timeline for implementation. The suggested 2027 schedule and referendum would represent preliminary steps towards a potentially significant change in Pakistan’s administrative structure.
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