Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs, Senator Rana Sanaullah, has said the government has neither discussed the creation of new provinces with the establishment nor taken up the issue in the federal cabinet.

Responding to questions on the matter, Rana Sanaullah said no communication has taken place between the government and the establishment regarding the formation of new provinces.

He added that the proposal has also not been placed before or debated by the federal cabinet.

According to the senior PML-N leader, the idea of creating new provinces has not received sufficient public support, making it difficult to move the proposal forward.

His remarks come amid recurring political speculation over the possible creation of new administrative units in Pakistan.

The issue has been debated for years, with proposals including a South Punjab province and other regional administrative divisions. Supporters argue that additional provinces could improve governance, administrative efficiency and service delivery, while critics contend that the move lacks political consensus and could trigger fresh constitutional and political challenges.

Any change to Pakistan’s provincial structure would require a constitutional amendment, which must secure a two-thirds majority in Parliament as well as the consent of the relevant provincial assembly where applicable. Rana Sanaullah’s statement suggests the government is not currently pursuing the proposal.