Are Pakistan’s Rulers Learning From 1971 Disaster Or Repeating The Same Historical Mistake Again?

International News: Whenever Pakistan talks about division, memories of 1971 rush back. That year the country split and lost its eastern wing forever. Today the separation is not geographic but political. Yet the word “division” still hurts Pakistan’s identity. Islamabad says reforms will bring better administration. But people fear the same chaos again. History is not forgotten, especially in volatile provinces.

What Message Did The Minister Deliver?

Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan recently announced an aggressive drive for smaller provinces. He claimed the move will improve governance and services everywhere. His proposal: Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should each be divided into three parts. He argued neighbors have many smaller units. His statement followed multiple media debates. The government wants this plan taken seriously.

Why Is Timing So Suspicious Now?

This push comes when Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are already burning with separatist anger. Security forces face hostile resistance. People there accuse Islamabad of exploitation. Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir run a hybrid power structure. Their critics say the move divides voices, not solves problems. Instead of healing mistrust, it may fuel more hate. Pakistan risks widening wounds already infected.

Who Is Backing And Who Is Fighting It?

Aleem Khan’s IPP party fully supports more provinces. MQM-P from Karachi is also excited and promises legal action for change. But ruling partner PPP opposes breaking Sindh. Its Chief Minister warned any attempt to divide Sindh will face fierce resistance. This makes the plan politically explosive. Allies are pulling in opposite directions. Every province has its own red lines.

Is This A New Idea Or Old Drama?

Pakistan has debated new provinces since independence. Proposals came and vanished. Nothing changed on ground. Earlier experiments like two-province setup under Ayub Khan failed. Complaints only grew. Local governance never improved. Institutions stayed weak. That same confusion is now returning. Leaders sell new maps as magic solutions. But common people know promises disappear after elections. Structural issues remain untouched.

Are Experts Actually Warning A Bigger Disaster?

Former top bureaucrat Syed Akhtar Ali Shah warns of constitutional, administrative and historic chaos. He says more provinces will not remove injustice. It may deepen inequality. Institutions are already too weak. Rule of law is selective. Corruption is high. Accountability is missing. Without fixing foundations, changing boundaries is cosmetic. His warning: expect more fights, not fairness, if rushed decisions continue.

What Real Reforms Does Pakistan Need Instead?

Experts say focus must shift to real decentralisation. Local governments should get genuine power. Funds must reach districts, not only elites. Strengthen police, courts, services. Ensure equal rights. Restore trust. Right now citizens feel ignored and angry. Dividing land without solving governance crisis is dangerous. Pakistan must repair its state, not redraw it. Otherwise this gamble may break more than it builds