New administrative map for Pakistan urged

Mian Amer Mahmood, businessman and former mayor of Lahore, has called for the creation of new administrative units across Pakistan, stressing that stronger local governments and improved judicial performance have become necessary to manage the rapidly expanding population.

Speaking at the 'Imagine Pakistan 2030' event in Karachi on Tuesday, he said establishing new administrative units was the need of the hour, adding that Pakistan's provincial structure was formed in haste and no longer corresponds to population realities.

He pointed out that all provinces are struggling with severe demographic pressures that have resulted in a shortage of basic facilities.

He said Pakistan has only five capital cities despite its massive population, whereas the United States has 50 administrative units and China has 31.

Mahmood also deplored that 44 per cent of children in Pakistan were deprived of adequate nutrition and that educational institutions must play a central role in creating public awareness and preparing society for a more efficient administrative model.

Furthermore, he expressed concerns over the country's deteriorating judicial system, lamenting that the quality of judicial performance has continued to decline.