The creation of new federating units or provinces has regained attention nowadays. The debate has been further intensified when Mohsin Naqvi hinted that new administrative units are the need of the time, as the system has collapsed. The statement was also endorsed by the military spokesman. The question is whether the creation of new administrative units or provinces will resolve the core structural problems of Pakistan, which are embedded in institutional failure.

First, the ruling elites said that the unitary system was a viable option to solve the governance problems. Secondly, the ruling elites gave the argument that the presidential form of government was the only option to address the outstanding issues of Pakistan. Further, they went on to adopt the parliamentary form of government by arguing that Pakistan needed a federal government and provincial representation. Then, the 18th Amendment was enacted with the promise of strengthening the provinces in economic and administrative spheres.

Now, the ruling elites have sparked a debate about the creation of new provinces. However, the ruling elites have failed to understand the core governance crisis. Pakistan is experiencing severe terrorism in two western provinces, protests in Azad Kashmir, and a law-and-order crisis in Sindh. Pakistan also has one of the worst judicial systems in the world. A single judge is........

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