# Naqvi Proposes Referendum for New Administrative Units Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi suggests public voting to resolve ongoing debates on provincial restructuring. - **Source:** [Dawn](https://www.dawn.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/380b68f5-9182-4362-8120-6605059b5a3a ## Referendum as Governance Solution Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has formally proposed holding a national referendum to resolve the contentious debate regarding the creation of new administrative units. Naqvi argues that the current governance system has collapsed and requires a complete reset. He insists that public opinion should be the final arbiter for any structural changes. ## Political Consensus and Alliances Naqvi emphasized that any major administrative shift would require full consensus among ruling coalition partners. He stated that no changes would occur against the will of government allies. Despite internal disagreements, he maintains that the government remains committed to democratic processes and respecting the diverse stances held by various political parties. ## Alignment with Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari The minister claimed he and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari are largely on the same page regarding the need for a national reset. While Bilawal focuses on political unity to address economic crises, Naqvi advocates for broader systemic reforms. Both leaders acknowledge the necessity of addressing the country's pressing challenges through unified action. ## Opposition and Parliamentary Friction The PPP remains a vocal opponent of creating new provinces, particularly within Sindh, citing concerns over constitutional processes. Bilawal previously criticized Naqvi for discussing administrative reforms at business forums rather than within Parliament. This tension highlights the ongoing struggle between executive-led proposals and the traditional parliamentary debate required for constitutional changes. ## Broader Administrative Reform Debate The discussion on new provinces gained momentum after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif suggested the creation of twelve additional administrative units. This proposal has sparked significant debate across the political spectrum. Parties are currently weighing the benefits of decentralization against the potential for political instability and the complexities of redrawing provincial boundaries nationwide. ## Addressing Systemic Corruption Issues During his address at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, Naqvi candidly admitted that corruption remains a pervasive issue across Pakistan. He rejected claims that specific regions are exempt from such problems, asserting that it is the state's fundamental responsibility to eradicate graft. He stressed the importance of identifying and addressing corruption everywhere. ## CDA Enforcement and Neutrality Naqvi defended recent actions by the Capital Development Authority regarding the residence of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. He clarified that the campaign is part of a long-standing, ongoing regulatory effort rather than a targeted political move against any individual. He maintained that the authority is simply enforcing existing building and land regulations. ## Future Outlook for Restructuring The proposal for a referendum represents a strategic attempt to bypass political gridlock by appealing directly to the public. Whether this approach will gain traction remains uncertain, as constitutional amendments require parliamentary approval. The government must now balance its desire for a systemic reset with the need to maintain fragile coalition stability. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dawn.com/news/2044043/naqvi-suggests-referendum-as-solution-to-debate-on-new-administrative-units — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._