Demand for New Provinces in Pakistan: A Source of Stability or Instability

The subject of creating more administrative units for efficient administration and governance has become a hotly debated topic in national debates in many Asian countries and Pakistan is no exception in this regard. In the face of increasing population and subsequent complex nature of issues, the administrative setup of the country requires some changes to be made. This study explores the prospects of creation of new provinces in Pakistan. While exploring the possibilities and challenges for creating more provinces, it invites debate about the negative implications for the future of the country if these creations are, even slightly, based on ethnic lines. It investigates not only the factors that pose hurdles in the way of creating new provinces but also thrives on the benefits that are offered by additional provinces. Lastly, it makes comparative analysis whether the demand for new provinces brings further division in an already divided society or it helps redressing the grievances of various ethnic groups and strengthens national integration. This study is predominantly qualitative in nature and focuses both primary and secondary sources of data collection. Analyzing the challenges and negative implications associated with the creation of new provinces, consensus among the mainstream political parties of Pakistan is required, the possibility of which seems bleak in the near future.