Pakistan’s New-Province Plan Sparks PPP Opposition Over Sindh

DID Press: Pakistan’s Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal has proposed restructuring the country’s provincial system by creating up to 15 provinces, triggering strong opposition from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), particularly over any possible division of Sindh.

Iqbal has argued that Pakistan’s existing provincial structure has become overly centralised and that smaller administrative units could improve governance and the delivery of public services. He has called for a committee to examine the political, administrative and legal aspects of the proposal and build consensus among political parties.

The PPP has rejected any proposal to divide Sindh. Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and other senior leaders have reiterated that the party will not allow the province’s territorial boundaries to be altered. The Sindh Assembly has also unanimously rejected proposals to divide the province.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has accused the PPP of applying a “double standard,” arguing that the party supports the creation of a Seraiki province in Punjab while opposing administrative restructuring in Sindh.

The debate comes as Pakistan faces persistent governance and security challenges, while political parties remain divided over proposals to devolve power and redraw the country’s administrative map. The proposal remains subject to political consensus and does not represent an agreed change to Pakistan’s provincial structure.