PBF calls for new provinces and stronger local governments

PBF Chief Organiser Ahmed Jawad said the issue should be discussed openly and decided through consultation and consensus among all major stakeholders.

He said Pakistan’s current administrative system is facing growing pressure because of the country’s population, which is around 260 million. In his view, a new provincial structure could make government services more effective and bring decision-making closer to citizens.

Jawad said there could be room for as many as 10 provinces if population size and governance needs are considered. However, he stressed that any such change should be carried out through the constitutional process.

PBF seeks wider administrative reforms

The business forum said creating new provinces should not be treated as simply redrawing Pakistan’s political map. The main purpose, it said, should be to improve public services, strengthen administration and create better opportunities for economic development.

Jawad also called for the implementation of the Provincial Finance Commission whenever new provinces are established. He said financial resources should reach districts more effectively so that administrative changes can produce practical benefits for ordinary people.

He noted that the 18th Amendment gave greater powers to provincial governments. However, he argued that these benefits have not reached the district level to the extent expected.

According to the PBF, stronger local governments are therefore necessary alongside any discussion about new provinces. The forum believes that better local administration could help solve problems more quickly at the grassroots level.

Directly elected mayors proposed

Jawad suggested that mayors should be elected directly under a stronger local government system. He said this could give elected local representatives greater responsibility and a clearer mandate to address problems in their areas.

He also proposed appointing a district economy officer in every district. Such officials, according to the proposal, could focus on local economic activity, development projects and other matters linked to growth.

The idea is based on giving districts a stronger role in economic planning. Instead of depending entirely on decisions made at provincial or federal levels, local administrations could have more responsibility for issues directly affecting their communities.

The PBF said this approach could also help improve coordination between government departments and local economic stakeholders. Better planning at the district level could make development efforts more focused and practical.

Economic growth remains a major focus

The business community has long called for reforms that can make government systems more efficient and improve the environment for investment and economic activity.

The PBF said administrative changes should ultimately be judged by their impact on ordinary citizens. New provinces, stronger local governments and better financial distribution would only be useful if they improve public services and economic opportunities.

Jawad said the federation’s real strength lies in keeping government close to the people. He argued that citizens should be able to access government institutions and services without facing unnecessary administrative difficulties.

The forum also stressed that political and administrative changes should be based on broad agreement. Consultation among federal and provincial authorities, political parties, businesses and other stakeholders could help reduce disagreements over such a major reform.

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What new provinces could mean for Pakistan

The debate over new provinces has wider implications for Pakistan’s governance structure. Supporters argue that smaller administrative units could make governments more manageable and allow resources to be distributed more effectively.

However, creating new provinces would involve constitutional, financial and political questions. Issues such as boundaries, revenue sharing, representation and the distribution of assets would also need to be addressed.

The PBF’s proposal therefore goes beyond simply increasing the number of provinces. It connects the issue with local government reforms, district-level economic planning and a stronger system for distributing financial resources.

The forum said Pakistan should now move towards an administrative model that better serves its growing population. It believes bringing decision-making closer to citizens could help improve governance and support long-term economic development.