Govt speeds up groundwork for referendum on new provinces

ISLAMABAD: The government has accelerated groundwork for a referendum to form new provinces across the country, ARY News reported, citing sources.

Parliamentary sources said that a referendum has been declared inevitable to build a consensus on forming new provinces.

In this scenario, the upcoming sessions of the National Assembly and the Senate have gained significant importance.

Sources stated that the referendum could be held under Article 48, Clause 6.

The Prime Minister can seek permission to hold a referendum by presenting a resolution on a matter of national importance.

Sources indicated that the government decided to hold the referendum following objections from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over the creation of a new province in Sindh.

Sources also noted that the government aims to create new provinces via a referendum ahead of the Senate elections, which are expected in the first week of March 2027.

It is likely that the government will approach the court to clarify the legal and constitutional status of the referendum.

The government is continuing consultations with all stakeholders.

According to sources, there is a proposal to create 10 to 12 new provinces across the country.

The suggestion includes creating four provinces in Punjab, while dividing Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balochistan into two provinces each.

It is also likely that the Balochistan Assembly will approve a resolution supporting the creation of new provinces.