The debate on the establishment of new provinces in Pakistan is once again gaining national attention, with the legal community emphasising the need to take the issue forward within the constitutional ambit and for serious consultation among political parties.
The Supreme Court Bar Association has supported the proposal for the establishment of new provinces, while the Pakistan Bar Council has also suggested a national-level dialogue on the issue. The stance of both the institutions has one important point in common: that the constitutional mechanism should be the basis for any change.
The debate resurfaced when Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appealed to political parties at the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026 to jointly consider the country’s important issues. The formation of new provinces was also among these issues.
Addressing a full court reference held in the Supreme Court in honour of Justice Musarrat Hilali, Supreme Court Bar President Haroon Rashid said that the formation of new provinces can help make the administrative system more effective.
According to him, more effective distribution of large administrative structures can create opportunities to bring powers closer to the people, balance development opportunities and pay more attention to the needs of different regions.
On the other hand, the Pakistan Bar Council has spoken of prioritising the constitutional and parliamentary process rather than a quick political decision on the issue. According to the council, the decision on new provinces, if deemed necessary, should be taken forward under the relevant procedures in the constitution.
The PBC has asked political parties to view the issue in the context of national interest, regardless of their differences. According to the Bar Council, such sensitive administrative decisions can be made more sustainable through extensive political consultation.
For this purpose, the Pakistan Bar Council has approved organising a national seminar. Leaders of political parties represented in parliament and representatives of provincial bar councils will be invited to participate in it.
In addition to new provinces, the national seminar is expected to discuss issues such as stability of the federation, better governance, administrative efficiency and balanced economic development. The aim of this initiative is to bring different political and legal circles on a common platform.
The question of new provinces is not new in Pakistan. In different periods, proposals for new provinces have been coming up on the basis of administrative division, population growth, resource distribution and governance efficiency. However, building a political consensus on this issue has always been a sensitive stage.
Therefore, the importance of the current progress lies not only in the fact that support for new provinces has emerged, but it is also important that legal circles are linking this issue with the constitutional process and national dialogue.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar Association has also announced its support for the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments. According to the SCBA president, these amendments should be seen in the context of parliamentary supremacy, division of powers and timely delivery of justice.
He also requested President Asif Ali Zardari not to further delay the approval of the appointments of judges recommended for the High Courts as per the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan.
Expressing confidence in the recent decisions of the Judicial Commission, Haroon-ul-Rashid said that the selection of eligible candidates for the High Courts has been done keeping in mind the merit.
The services of Justice Musarrat Hilali were also discussed in the full court reference. Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi described his professional life as an example of determination, steadfastness and commitment to justice.
The Chief Justice also appreciated Justice Hilali’s role in promoting women’s participation and leadership in the judiciary and said that her journey can serve as an inspiring example for future women in the legal profession.
The Pakistan Bar Council also raised the issue of freedom of the press in the meeting. The council expressed concern over the NCCIA issuing notices to journalists in Islamabad and the detention of some journalists.
The PBC demanded that the government take into account the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and freedom of the press. According to the council, free media is an important part of a democratic system, the rule of law and public accountability.
Overall, the issue of new provinces now seems to be part of the national debate again. However, this debate needs to be put into practice.