AFTER voices were raised from across the country for either more provinces or administrative units for better governance, even the World Economic Forum has now urged Pakistan to reconsider its administrative structure to improve governance amid rapid population growth. Dividing the existing provinces into smaller units could bring decision-making, resources and accountability closer to the people.

However, successful decentralisation requires capable institutions, transparent fiscal transfers and effective local revenue systems.

Despite the 18th Amendment and the seventh National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, governance gaps and regional disparities persist. Provincial tax collection remains weak, particularly in agriculture, while educational inequalities highlight the distance between policymakers and local communities.

Therefore, administrative reforms should focus not merely on creating more units, but on aligning authority, resources and accountability to ensure effective service delivery and sustainable development.

Faisal Hussain Bhutto
Khairpur Mirs

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2026