ISLAMABAD: The federal government has accelerated consultations and preliminary preparations for holding a referendum on the creation of new provinces across the country, parliamentary sources said.
According to the sources, a referendum is being considered essential to develop political consensus on the proposed administrative divisions.
The upcoming sessions of the National Assembly and Senate are expected to play an important role in discussions on the proposal.
Sources said the government was considering holding the referendum under Article 48(6) of the Constitution, which provides a mechanism for seeking public opinion on matters of national importance through a referendum, subject to the prescribed constitutional process.
Under the proposed arrangement, the prime minister may seek approval to hold a referendum by moving a resolution on an issue of national significance.
The move reportedly follows reservations expressed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over the proposed creation of a separate province in Sindh.
According to parliamentary sources, the government is also considering completing the referendum process before the Senate elections, expected in the first week of March 2027.
The government may approach the courts to obtain clarity on the constitutional and legal requirements for conducting such a referendum.
Meanwhile, consultations with political parties and other stakeholders are continuing to build agreement on the proposed provincial structure.
Sources said one proposal under consideration envisaged creating between 10 and 12 provinces across Pakistan.
Under the suggested plan, Punjab could be divided into four provinces, while Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan could each be split into two administrative units.
There is also a possibility that the Balochistan Assembly may adopt a resolution in support of the creation of additional provinces, sources added.
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