Backchannel Contacts With Imran Khan: Whose Plan Is For New Provinces? Rana Sanaullah Reveals
Mian Nadeem
Published: September 13, 2026 | Time: 03:33 PM
The PML-N has not launched any project to divide the provinces, though talks with the party may have taken place over a plan for new provinces, the prime minister’s adviser said at a meeting with senior journalists in Lahore.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah has stated that the issue of dividing provinces could lead to the creation of new administrative units or local government elections, but no final decision has been made regarding the establishment of new provinces.
Rana Sanaullah explained that the issue of provincial division is still at an initial stage and that any final decision will be taken through Parliament. He made these remarks during a meeting with journalists at the residence of senior journalist Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami in Lahore.
Attendees included Punjab Assembly PML-N Chief Whip Rana Arshad Legi, PML-N leaders Zubair Gul, Rana Imran, Ghulam Mustafa and Dr Saeed Elahi, and senior journalists Sohail Warraich, Saleem Bukhari, Hafizullah Niazi, Naveed Chaudhry, Pervez Bashir, Salman Ghani, Naushad Ali and Usman Shami.
Rana Sanaullah stated that talks with the PML-N may have occurred regarding the project for new provinces. He noted that if those developing the project had spoken to the PML-N and the party had not introduced it, "we cannot stand there with a stick."
He added that there is still considerable time before the matter of provincial division can move forward. If it comes before Parliament, everyone will express their opinion, and a parliamentary or standing committee could be formed. He estimated the process could take six to eight months.
Rana Sanaullah suggested that instead of dividing provinces, the creation of administrative units or the transfer of powers to the grassroots through local government elections could also be considered.
He clarified that the PML-N has not formally launched any plan to establish new provinces. According to him, various opinions and proposals are emerging, but no final formula has been agreed upon.
The PML-N adviser emphasized that the division of provinces is a sensitive constitutional matter that would require political consensus and parliamentary procedure. If the matter progresses formally, a parliamentary committee could be formed to consider it, and the final process could take several months.
He urged that the debate on new provinces should not be restricted to political slogans but should be viewed in the context of the country’s administrative structure, governance, and the devolution of powers to the people.
