Pakistan considers 12-province plan, referendum ahead of possible constitutional amendment

Summary

• A proposal to reorganise Pakistan into 12 provinces is under consideration, with a nationwide referendum envisaged ahead of a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment, according to a report published on Sunday.
• The proposal remains at the consideration stage, with no final decisions taken on provincial boundaries, administrative structures or the constitutional process required to implement the changes.
• A nationwide referendum is being considered as a means of gauging public opinion on the creation of additional provinces before the constitutional amendment process begins, the report said.

AI Generated Summary

A proposal to reorganise Pakistan into 12 provinces is under consideration, with a nationwide referendum envisaged ahead of a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment, according to a report published on Sunday.

The proposal could be taken up during the first half of 2027, with preliminary steps potentially beginning in the first quarter, The News reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions.