Thematic Consultation Survey Hub

Theme 01: Territorial Delimitation 4 Quick Questions

1. In your view, what is the strongest justification for creating new provinces in Pakistan?

Demographic scale — Current provinces (e.g., Punjab with 127M+ people) are too large for effective governance. Geographic distance — Peripheral districts are situated too far from provincial secretariats and High Courts. Political voice — Ensuring underrepresented regions receive dedicated representation in the Senate. Status quo is adequate — Existing 4 provinces are sufficient; focus should be on municipal devolution.

2. How should boundaries for any proposed new provinces be drawn?

Existing Administrative Divisions — Grouping contiguous divisions without altering district borders. Historical and cultural regions — Reflecting distinct regional identities and linguistic coherence. Economic viability — Designing units around agro-ecological zones and industrial corridors.

3. Rate the feasibility of passing a boundary amendment under Article 239 (requiring 2/3rds in both Houses plus affected provincial assembly):

4. Your home province/region:

Theme 02: NFC & Revenue 4 Quick Questions

1. In the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, should population weight remain at 82%?

Reduce below 60% — Shift weight to poverty, backwardness, and inverse density to support underdeveloped regions. Maintain 82% — Every citizen should count equally regardless of geography. Increase revenue collection weight (currently 5%) — Reward provinces for mobilizing provincial taxes.

2. Should federal NFC funds be legally tied to Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) transfers to districts?

Yes, mandatory — Provinces must pass a minimum percentage (e.g. 35%) directly to elected local councils. No, discretionary — Provincial assemblies must retain full authority over their provincial consolidated fund.

3. What tax category should provinces prioritize devolving to municipal authorities?

Urban Immovable Property Tax (UIPT) — Allow city corporations to tax property directly for local services. Motor vehicle and commercial licensing fees. Local betterment levies and infrastructure impact fees.

4. Your home province/region:

Theme 03: Third-Tier Subsidiarity 4 Quick Questions

1. How effective has Article 140A been in securing durable local governments in Pakistan?

Note: Local governments have been suspended or placed under administrators for over 15 of the last 20 years.

2. How should city mayors and district chairpersons be elected?

Direct popular election — Citizens vote directly for the Mayor, ensuring an independent mandate. Indirect election — Elected union councilors select the Mayor from among themselves.

3. Which departments should be placed under the command of elected local mayors?

Primary Healthcare & Basic Health Units (BHUs) Primary and elementary education Water supply, sanitation, and municipal solid waste Municipal and traffic policing

4. Your home province/region:

Theme 04: Spatial Equity 4 Quick Questions

1. How many hours does it take to travel from your district headquarters to the provincial capital?

Less than 2 hours (Close proximity) 2 to 5 hours (Moderate commute) 5 to 8 hours (Significant barrier) More than 8 hours (Severe administrative isolation)

2. Could establishing autonomous Divisional Secretariats (without full new provinces) solve distance issues?

Yes — Empowering Commissioners and Additional Chief Secretaries at division level resolves 80% of issues. No — Citizens need their own elected provincial assembly, cabinet, and High Court seat. E-governance is superior — Digitize land records, permits, and court filings to remove physical travel needs.

3. What public service suffers most from spatial distance to the capital?

Access to justice — High Court writ petitions and specialized tribunals. Tertiary medical facilities and organ/cancer care centers. Development project approvals (Planning & Development Department).

Thematic Governance Questionnaires

1. In your view, what is the strongest justification for creating new provinces in Pakistan?

2. How should boundaries for any proposed new provinces be drawn?

3. Rate the feasibility of passing a boundary amendment under Article 239 (requiring 2/3rds in both Houses plus affected provincial assembly):

4. Your home province/region:

1. In the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, should population weight remain at 82%?

2. Should federal NFC funds be legally tied to Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) transfers to districts?

3. What tax category should provinces prioritize devolving to municipal authorities?

4. Your home province/region:

1. How effective has Article 140A been in securing durable local governments in Pakistan?

2. How should city mayors and district chairpersons be elected?

3. Which departments should be placed under the command of elected local mayors?

4. Your home province/region:

1. How many hours does it take to travel from your district headquarters to the provincial capital?

2. Could establishing autonomous Divisional Secretariats (without full new provinces) solve distance issues?

3. What public service suffers most from spatial distance to the capital?

4. Your home province/region:

Policy Articles & Analysis

Research Reports & Papers

Data Observatories

Reform Models & Engagement

Thematic Governance Questionnaires

1. In your view, what is the strongest justification for creating new provinces in Pakistan?

2. How should boundaries for any proposed new provinces be drawn?

3. Rate the feasibility of passing a boundary amendment under Article 239 (requiring 2/3rds in both Houses plus affected provincial assembly):

4. Your home province/region:

1. In the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, should population weight remain at 82%?

2. Should federal NFC funds be legally tied to Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) transfers to districts?

3. What tax category should provinces prioritize devolving to municipal authorities?

4. Your home province/region:

1. How effective has Article 140A been in securing durable local governments in Pakistan?

2. How should city mayors and district chairpersons be elected?

3. Which departments should be placed under the command of elected local mayors?

4. Your home province/region:

1. How many hours does it take to travel from your district headquarters to the provincial capital?

2. Could establishing autonomous Divisional Secretariats (without full new provinces) solve distance issues?

3. What public service suffers most from spatial distance to the capital?

4. Your home province/region:

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Policy Articles & Analysis

Research Reports & Papers

Data Observatories

Reform Models & Engagement