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ISLAMABAD, September 5, 2026: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over what he described as a “two-faced policy” on the creation of new provinces and administrative units.
In a post on X late Saturday, Asif said he believed there was “something more” behind the PPP’s position. He added that he would explain his concerns “when the time comes.”
Asif said the PPP appeared supportive when discussions focused on a Saraiki province in Punjab. However, he claimed that the party took a different position when the debate shifted towards multiple provinces or administrative units.
“I see something more behind this two-faced policy of the PPP. I will explain it when the time comes,” he wrote.
The defence minister stressed that national unity should remain central to the debate.
“We are, first and last, Pakistanis,” Asif said.
He also pointed to the 18th Amendment, which established devolution as a key constitutional principle.
According to Asif, the principle has not been implemented fully. He argued that current circumstances require the process to move forward with greater commitment and transparency.
“Democracy can flourish at the grassroots level, and the people can benefit from its fruits,” he wrote.
Asif also questioned the concentration of administrative powers under the existing system. He called for a review of what he described as the accumulation of outdated powers.
Asif said provinces or administrative units could be organised through different geographical models.
He pointed to Pakistan’s 36 divisions as a possible basis for a new administrative structure. Alternatively, he suggested that policymakers could develop another geographical framework.
“The devolution of powers is inevitable,” Asif said.
His remarks come amid renewed political debate over whether Pakistan needs additional provinces or administrative units to improve governance.
The latest controversy began after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called for additional administrative units or provinces.
Naqvi argued that Pakistan’s outdated governance structure required meaningful reforms. He also linked administrative restructuring with justice, better governance and opportunities for young people.
The proposal triggered strong reactions from political parties, particularly in Sindh.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah rejected Naqvi’s position and opposed any attempt to create new provinces outside the constitutional process.
Shah said the Constitution provides a mechanism for creating a new province. He noted that a provincial assembly must approve such a move with a two-thirds majority.
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The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has also supported the creation of additional administrative units.
MQM-P leaders have argued that Pakistan’s growing population and governance challenges require greater administrative devolution.
The party has proposed a broader national dialogue involving political parties to discuss new provinces and administrative units.
MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar has also backed the proposal. He argued that administrative restructuring could support Pakistan’s stability and development.
However, Sindh government leaders have strongly rejected the proposal.
Sindh Information Minister Nasir Hussain Shah accused MQM-P of pursuing the issue because of political frustration. He said Sindh would not be divided.
Sindh Labour and Human Resources Minister Saeed Ghani also opposed the creation of a new province in Sindh.
Ghani said political forces in the province remained united against the proposal. He also accused MQM-P leaders of attempting to revive what he described as divisive politics.
The debate is likely to continue as political parties differ over how Pakistan should address governance, representation and administrative efficiency.
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