By Tasawar ul Karim Baig
The debate over creating new provinces has once again entered Pakistan’s political discourse. While many analysts and political stakeholders have presented compelling arguments both for and against the proposal, several fundamental questions remain unanswered.
Why does Pakistan need more administrative units? Will creating additional provinces genuinely improve governance and provide relief to ordinary citizens? If existing administrative divisions have not consistently delivered efficient governance, what guarantees that new ones will? General Pervez Musharraf’s local government and police reforms in the mid-2000s were also introduced with the promise of bringing governance closer to the people. Why did those reforms fall short of expectations? More importantly, if new provinces are created today, what will be meaningfully different this time?
These questions deserve serious consideration because governance is not merely about drawing new boundaries on a map. Good governance is the ability of the state to manage public affairs effectively by ensuring justice, security, quality education, accessible healthcare, freedom of expression, and opportunities for economic growth. Administrative restructuring can be a useful tool, but it is not a substitute for competent governance.
The real issue is whether additional administrative units can address Pakistan’s deeper governance challenges. Without the rule of law, independent institutions, an effective justice system, a merit-based civil service, and continuity in public policy, new provinces may simply create another layer of bureaucracy. Instead of improving public services, they could increase government expenditure, expand administrative complexities, and provide additional opportunities for political patronage.
History offers an important lesson. Whether viewed through Islamic principles or the experience of successful modern democracies, one principle consistently stands above the rest: accountability.
Islamic history provides a powerful example. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) declared that even his own daughter would not be exempt from the law if she committed a crime, emphasizing that justice must apply equally to everyone. Similarly, in many established democracies, public officials resign and willingly submit to legal scrutiny when credible allegations of misconduct arise. Accountability is effective only when it is universal rather than selective.
Unfortunately, Pakistan often appears to function in the opposite direction. Legislators frequently become occupied with inaugurating development projects instead of focusing on quality legislation. State institutions sometimes encroach upon one another’s constitutional domains. Media trials often precede judicial proceedings. Professionals are expected to perform roles outside their expertise, while merit is too often overlooked. Public schools struggle to deliver quality education, state institutions continue to underperform, and public confidence in law enforcement has been weakened by corruption and abuse of authority.
The writer is a Broadcaster and Filmmaker. He is a Fulbright Humphrey fellow and Endeavour awardee.
