PESHAWAR: National Democratic Movement (NDM) has rejected proposals for the creation of new provinces, describing them as an attempt to divide Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and vowed to resist any such move.

Speaking at a news conference at Peshawar Press Club on Friday, NDM central president Mohsin Dawar said the creation of new provinces was a matter for parliament and no individual would be allowed to take such a decision.

Party leader Bushra Gohar and others were also present on the occasion.

“If the problems are so serious, they should be addressed on administrative grounds instead of dividing provinces,” he said, adding that any decision regarding the creation of new provinces must be approved by parliament with a two-thirds majority.

Describes proposal as an attempt to divide KP

Mr Dawar said the proposal regarding the creation of new administrative units was not a solution to the problems being faced by the country. Rather, he termed it “a formula to divide Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”.

“We reject the proposals for new provinces and will not allow Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to be divided,” he said.

He also criticised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for his statement regarding the creation of new units, saying, “It sounds as if he is speaking someone else’s language.”

The NDM leader alleged that attempts were being made to roll back the share given to provinces under the previous National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and undo the NFC mechanism.

He said the smaller provinces were being ignored in the distribution of resources and their constitutional rights were not being ensured.

Mr Dawar said the federal government had failed to attach due importance to peace jirgas held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“What kind of federation is this where peace jirgas are held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to address the deteriorating law and order situation, but the federal government does not give them the importance they deserve?” he asked.

He said the law and order situation in the province had deteriorated to such an extent that people were increasingly being forced to protect their lives and property themselves.

The NDM president said Pakistan had faced various problems since its creation, but successive governments had failed to address the grievances of the country’s constituent nationalities and people.

He called for addressing public grievances, restoring peace in the provinces and ensuring that the smaller provinces received their due share under the NFC Award.

Mr Dawar also opposed the creation of new provinces through the use of force, saying such a step required a new social contract among the stakeholders.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2026