Mian Amer Mahmood calls for 33 provinces and academic vision for Pakistan's future

KARACHI (Dunya News) – Dunya Media Group Chairman Mian Amer Mahmood has once again stressed the urgency for structural and academic reforms in Pakistan.

Addressing journalists at the Imagine Pakistan 2030 event today, he stated that the vision of Imagine Pakistan is not political, but purely academic, aimed at reshaping national policies on education, governance, and justice. He expressed concern over Pakistan’s lagging progress in justice, education, and healthcare systems compared to other countries in the region.

Mian Amer Mahmood recalled that Pakistan once held a prominent position in Asia, but poor performance of government departments had caused significant setbacks. Instead of proper funding, departments often received barely enough revenue to cover salaries.

He pointed out that the judicial system, from the Supreme Court to City Courts, remained overloaded due to structural inadequacies.

PROPOSAL FOR NEW PROVINCES

Mian Amer Mahmood emphasised that the country’s original provincial map was drawn hastily and could not support Pakistan’s growing governance needs. He claimed that Pakistan has the capacity to function with 33 provinces, but discussions must remain non-emotional and based on national interest. He noted that both Karachi residents and those in interior Sindh held contrasting views on the creation of new provinces.

Pakistan's journey towards development was not smooth: Mian Amer Mahmood

He further said that everyone has the right to speak on the formation of new provinces and mentioned that he published the first book on the subject in 2008. According to him, new provinces are essential for administrative efficiency and equitable resource distribution.

LEADERSHIP AND POLITICS

Mian Amer Mahmood criticised hereditary politics, stating that the middle class is denied opportunities in Pakistan’s political system. “If a tea seller in India can become Prime Minister, and a mayor in Türkiye can become the country’s premier, then why not in Pakistan,” he asked. He emphasised that political leadership infrastructure in Pakistan is in a dilapidated condition and a call for new leadership has already emerged.

He added that in the United Kingdom, academic research influences parliamentary decisions, but in Pakistan, the opposite occurs. According to him, political elites never want the local government system to flourish or gain strength.

MEDIA AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Responding to questions during the session, he said that, based on recommendations of the Pakistan Broadcasters Association, government advertisements would not be issued to media organisations that fail to pay their employees’ salaries. He confirmed that discussions between the Association and the government regarding state advertising had been concluded.

Mian Amer Mahmood also announced that the Imagine Pakistan 2030 vision would be presented nationwide at a convention in Islamabad on December 3.