SCBA supports new provinces plan as governance reform

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Bar Association has backed the proposal to create new provinces in Pakistan, describing it as a possible step toward better governance, stronger local administration and improved political stability.

The position was stated on Friday by SCBA President Haroonur Rashid during a Full Court Reference at the Supreme Court held in honour of Justice Musarrat Hilali as she laid down her judicial robes. The event was attended by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, judges of the Supreme Court, legal representatives and members of the wider legal fraternity.

The statement comes after Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi recently raised the issue at the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026, urging political parties to address major national challenges, including the question of creating new provinces. He said the measure was the only solution to improving the country’s overall condition.

SCBA calls provincial reorganisation a governance step

According to the SCBA president, any constitutional move to increase the number of provinces could support a more effective governance system by devolving authority and making administration more equitable at the grassroots level. He said it could also create better opportunities for parallel economic development and contribute to political stability.

Haroonur Rashid further said that new provinces could help improve living standards by easing some of the economic difficulties faced by people across the country.

The bar association’s endorsement adds the legal community’s voice to a politically sensitive debate that has long surfaced in discussions about administrative reform and federal devolution. However, the feed details do not indicate any formal government plan or timeline for pursuing such a change.

Reference held for Justice Musarrat Hilali

The remarks were made during a Full Court Reference at the Supreme Court in Islamabad. The reference was organised to honour Justice Musarrat Hilali on the occasion of her retirement from the bench.

Those present included judges of the Supreme Court, some attending in person and others through video link, along with Additional Attorney General Chaudhry Aamir Rehman, representatives of the SCBA and the Pakistan Bar Council, senior lawyers, court officers and media representatives.

The Dawn report also says the SCBA was holding its 250th meeting in Islamabad, but no further details from that meeting were included in the available feed material.

Why the debate matters

The call for new provinces is not new in Pakistan, where questions of administrative efficiency, representation and devolved governance often return to the public debate. Supporters generally argue that smaller units can make government more accessible and responsive, while critics often point to the political and constitutional complexity involved.

For now, the SCBA has signalled support for the idea in principle, framing it as a reform that could improve governance rather than as a partisan demand.

FAQ

What did the SCBA say about new provinces?

It said creating more provinces could be a step forward for governance, development and political stability.

Who raised the proposal recently?

Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi raised the issue at the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026.

Was a government decision announced?

No formal decision or timeline was mentioned in the available feed details.