Mian Amer Mahmood Calls for Creation of New Provinces in Pakistan Punjab Group Chairman Says Smaller Units Key to Equality and Governance

Punjab Group Chairman Mian Amer Mahmood has strongly advocated for the creation of new provinces in Pakistan, arguing that smaller administrative units are essential for equitable resource distribution, equal rights, and efficient governance. Addressing senior journalists in Islamabad, he said mismanagement and uneven access to resources have stalled national progress. Despite the devolution of powers under the 18th Amendment, he noted that services in education, health, and infrastructure have failed to reach grassroots communities. Mahmood highlighted Pakistan’s troubling international rankings, pointing out that the country stands 140th out of 170 on the Public Welfare Index and 168th out of 193 on the Human Development Index. He stressed that 25 million children remain out of school, the highest figure in the world, while malnutrition and low child growth rates persist. According to Mahmood, Pakistan’s current governance system is failing its people, and structural reforms are urgently needed.
Highlighting unequal development across Pakistan, Mahmood said only a few major cities have progressed while rural and remote areas remain neglected. To resolve this imbalance, he proposed turning each administrative division into a province—creating 33 provinces in total. This restructuring, he argued, would bring decision-making closer to the people, foster grassroots leadership, and reduce the dominance of family-controlled political parties. Drawing comparisons with India, he noted that through constitutional reforms, India expanded from nine provinces to 37 states, creating competition and fostering growth. Mahmood stressed that Pakistan too must adopt similar reforms to overcome decades of stagnation. He emphasized that his call was not directed solely at politicians but also at citizens, urging them to demand constitutional amendments for new provinces. He concluded that real change must come from public will, and only then can Pakistan move toward sustainable development, equal opportunities, and national progress.