Mustafa Kamal Calls for New Provinces, Citing Governance and Resource Issues
Mustafa Kamal and Farooq Sattar call for administrative restructuring in Pakistan.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has called for the creation of new provinces in Pakistan. He said the existing provincial structure needs to be reconsidered.
Kamal spoke about the distribution of financial resources. He referred to funds transferred to provinces under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
According to Kamal, Rs8,884 billion from the federal budget was allocated to the provinces. He also said the 18th Amendment had increased provincial autonomy.
Debate Over Provincial Structure
Kamal argued that Pakistan’s current system has created four major administrative units. He said these provinces also receive substantial federal funds.
According to him, this arrangement has reduced pressure for structural change. He argued that the issue now requires wider debate.
Kamal’s remarks add to the MQM-P’s longstanding demand for greater administrative decentralisation. The party has called for stronger local governments and greater control over resources.
Farooq Sattar Seeks Six Units in Sindh
MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar has proposed six administrative units in Sindh. He said each unit should receive equal financial resources.
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Sattar also proposed a separate governor for each unit. His proposal seeks greater administrative and financial autonomy across Sindh.
The proposed structure broadly reflects Sindh’s existing six divisions. These include Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas and Shaheed Benazirabad.
MQM-P leaders have linked such proposals to improved governance and resource distribution. They have also called for stronger grassroots institutions.
Reference to One Unit System
Sattar also referred to Pakistan’s One Unit system. The system operated during the Ayub Khan era.
The One Unit scheme began in 1955. It merged the provinces and princely states of western Pakistan into one administrative unit.
The system ended in 1970. Pakistan later restored the previous provincial structure.
The latest remarks have renewed discussion about administrative reform. Political parties continue to hold different views on creating new provinces and administrative units.
The debate also covers financial distribution, local representation and provincial autonomy.
