Enough is enough”: MQM-P leaders, Shahid Khaqan back creation of new administrative units
Pakistan’s population continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, with estimates suggesting a 3.5% annual increase in recent years. This rapid expansion poses significant challenges for the country’s administrative and governance structures.
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has expressed his support for creating additional administrative units within Pakistan. In a statement released on Saturday, he urged all political parties to “settle” various national-level issues, including the question of new provinces.
According to Naqvi, addressing this pressing matter is essential for improving the country’s overall condition. He emphasized that there was only one solution: taking administrative units to the public. This stance reflects a growing concern among Pakistanis about the need for more effective governance and administration in light of population growth.
Dr. Farooq Sattar, leader of the MQM party, echoed Naqvi’s sentiments at an event held on Thursday. He stated that due to immense population growth, additional administrative units were necessary to ensure proper governance. “No country in the world has seen population growth as fast as ours,” he said.
The Education Minister, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, also expressed support for creating new provinces. In a press conference held earlier this week, he noted that while there are no higher administrative units other than districts and divisions within a province, the One Unit scheme dissolved these units but returned them in a different form.
Siddiqui emphasized that the issue of administrative units never existed or was not part of Pakistan’s politics. He also stated that provinces were divided due to pressure from a growing population, which has led to the need for new administrative structures.
The MQM party submitted an amendment bill to the National Assembly in 2026, seeking support and approval for their proposal. This move reflects the party’s commitment to addressing the country’s economic issues through the creation of additional provinces.
In conclusion, Pakistan faces significant challenges in its current governance structure due to rapid population growth. The need for new administrative units has been widely acknowledged by various stakeholders, including former Prime Minister Abbasi and MQM leaders Sattar and Siddiqui. As the country continues to grapple with these issues, it is essential that all parties work together to find a solution that benefits the nation as a whole.
Source: Dawn
Based on reporting from Dawn.
