ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Sardar Mohammad Yousuf has said the demand for a Hazara province is constitutional and the creation of new provinces has become a necessity dictated by the times and the needs of the people.

Addressing a gathering organised by the Islamabad Bar Association at the District Courts in connection with dialogue for new provinces, the federal minister remarked that as the population had grown, so had the challenges, and therefore smaller administrative units should be established to bring services and authority directly to the people’s doorsteps.

He noted that at the time of Pakistan’s inception, the population was approximately 35 million, whereas today it had multiplied manifold, yet the country still comprised only four provinces. There were over 160 districts in Pakistan, and the rise in population had brought about increased challenges requiring additional resources and effective administrative structures to address the challenges, he added.

Mr Yousuf emphasised that smaller administrative units met the public’s needs and could be managed more efficiently, ultimately benefiting the people and making life easier for them. He pointed out that authority had not been adequately devolved to the grassroots level, adding that the provincial government had the responsibility to transfer powers down to the districts.

The minister mentioned that the public had held rallies across Hazara’s eight districts to demand a province, and a resolution to this effect had been passed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly three times and forwarded to the federal government.

All political parties were in agreement regarding the creation of the Hazara province, and no party had opposed it, he said, adding that the Hazara region also met the geographical criteria to become a separate province.

He advocated for the Hazara province because it enjoyed the support of all political parties. Mr Yousuf, however, clarified that merely creating administrative units would not suffice; these units must also be empowered with actual authority.

Speaking on national security, the federal minister stated that it was the country’s top priority, noting that Pakistan had earned a distinguished place in the world following its struggle for a just cause.

The Government of Pakistan played a role in averting a war between the United States and Iran, while the Makkah Peace Agreement was concluded to foster global peace, he said, adding that Pakistan’s role in promoting peace had received international acclaim. He stated that the Pakistani nation was prepared to sacrifice their lives for the protection of the Two Holy Mosques.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2026