• SCBA endorses Naqvi’s proposal, citing governance benefits
• PBC insists any such move must be made through parliamentary process

ISLAMABAD: The country’s two leading lawyers’ bodies on Friday adopted differing approaches to the debate over the creation of new provinces, with the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) throwing its weight behind Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s proposal and the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) insisting that any such move be pursued strictly within the constitutional framework, through parliamentary process and with national consensus.

Recently, while addressing the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026, the interior minister urged all political parties to resolve key national issues, including the creation of new provinces, saying it was the only solution to improving the country’s overall condition, which he said had now collapsed.

Speaking at the Full Court Reference held at the Supreme Court in honour of Justice Musarrat Hilali on the occasion of her retirement, SCBA President Haroonur Rashid said the association endorsed and supported the proposal to create new provinces.

The reference, presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, was attended by Supreme Court judges in person as well as through video link. The event was also attended by Additional Attorney General Chaudhry Aamir Rehman, representatives of the SCBA and PBC, senior members of the legal fraternity, officers of the court, media representatives, and other distinguished guests.

The SCBA president said the association believes that any constitutional measure to create more provinces would be a step towards enhanced governance through devolution and equitable administration at the grassroots level, creation of equal opportunities for balanced economic development, and stronger political stability in the country. He said the creation of more provinces would also help improve the standard of living by addressing the economic hardships faced by the people.

Meanwhile, the PBC, the apex representative body of the legal fraternity, in its 250th meeting held on Friday, said it firmly believed that all constitutional matters must be addressed strictly within the framework of the Constitution.

The PBC deliberated on the issue of creating new administrative units/provinces and, through a resolution, reaffirmed that the legal fraternity remained committed to upholding the Constitution. It said members unanimously believed that the question of creating new provinces should be considered in accordance with constitutional principles and procedures.

The resolution emphasised that all political parties, irrespective of their differences, should act in the larger national interest and initiate a comprehensive and meaningful dialogue for the betterment of the country and its people.

The PBC further resolved that if the establishment of new provinces is considered necessary, it must be carried out strictly in accordance with the Constitution through due parliamentary process and national consensus.

The council also authorised its Vice Chairman Pir Muhammad Masood Chishti and the chairman of its Executive Committee to organise a national seminar by inviting leaders of all parliamentary political parties as well as representatives of the provincial bar councils for a meaningful dialogue aimed at developing a broad-based national consensus.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2026