Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah told reporters on Tuesday that a proposed referendum on the creation of new provinces cannot move forward until it receives the explicit approval of Parliament. He stressed that the matter has not yet been placed before the cabinet for consideration and that the National Assembly remains the proper venue for any debate or decision on the issue. Sanaullah added that all political parties have pledged to respect the outcome of the parliamentary vote once it is taken.
The minister, who also serves as an adviser to the Prime Minister, said the proposal to hold a plebiscite on provincial restructuring is still in its early stages. “We have not taken this subject to the cabinet,” he said, indicating that no formal executive endorsement has been granted. By emphasizing the role of the legislature, Sanaullah signalled that any move toward a referendum must first pass through the constitutional and political processes that govern major territorial changes.
Sanaullah’s remarks come amid renewed discussions about reorganising Pakistan’s internal boundaries, a topic that has resurfaced in recent months as various political groups argue that new provinces could improve administrative efficiency and address regional grievances. Under the constitution, altering provincial borders requires a constitutional amendment, which in turn demands a two‑thirds majority in both houses of Parliament and, in some interpretations, a subsequent public referendum. The minister’s insistence on parliamentary primacy therefore reflects the legal framework that must be observed before any public vote can be scheduled.
All major parties, according to Sanaullah, have committed to honouring the parliamentary decision, whether it endorses or rejects the idea of a referendum. This consensus, if maintained, could help contain partisan disputes that have historically accompanied proposals to redraw provincial lines. However, political analysts warn that the debate could still intensify, especially in regions where local leaders have long advocated for greater autonomy or a separate provincial status.
The statement underscores the procedural hurdles that any attempt to redraw Pakistan’s provincial map must clear. Until the cabinet formally places the issue on the agenda and the National Assembly debates it, the prospect of a referendum remains speculative. Stakeholders—from provincial politicians to civil‑society groups—will be watching closely for the next steps, as the outcome could reshape the country’s administrative landscape and influence the allocation of resources, representation in the federal parliament, and development priorities across the nation.