Islamabad: Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, emphasized the necessity of implementing administrative reforms before considering the creation of new provinces. He stressed the importance of governance reforms aimed at providing more efficient and accessible services to citizens.

According to Press Information Department, Barrister Chaudhry made these remarks at a policy workshop organized by SDPI in Islamabad. The event was attended by Member National Assembly Noor Alam Khan, Asiya Ishaq Siddiqui, Zahoor Dhareeja, senior journalist Muhammad Malik, and former Mayor of Lahore Mian Aamer Mahmood. Chaudhry highlighted that while population growth and urban expansion require more effective governance, creating new provinces is not the sole solution. He advocated for making government institutions more responsive and efficient in delivering essential services like education, healthcare, and municipal facilities.

Referring to Article 140A of the Constitution, Chaudhry pointed out that many governance challenges could be addressed by empowering local governments, given they receive sufficient financial resources and administrative authority. He insisted that any consideration of new provinces should be supported by a comprehensive financial impact assessment due to the additional administrative structures they would necessitate.

Chaudhry further noted that changing provincial boundaries is a serious constitutional matter requiring adherence to procedures and political consensus. He outlined a strategic approach to reforms, focusing on strengthening local governments, empowering regional administrations, and considering new provinces only through constitutional means with evidence of improved governance outcomes.

He concluded by asserting that Pakistan’s primary requirement is stronger institutions and better governance, rather than merely redrawing provincial boundaries without meaningful reforms.