SCBA Supports Interior Minister’s Proposal to Create New Provinces as a Step Towards Better Governance.

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) announced support for Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi’s proposal to create new provinces during a Full Court Reference held at the Supreme Court in Islamabad on August 7, 2026. The event, conducted in honor of Justice Musarrat Hilali, was attended by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, Supreme Court judges, Additional Attorney General Chaudhry Aamir Rehman, and representatives from both the SCBA and the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC).\n SCBA President Haroonur Rashid explained that adding provinces would strengthen governance by devolving authority, providing equal economic opportunities, and offering greater political stability. He also noted that more provinces could improve the standard of living by addressing the economic challenges faced by the population. In its 250th meeting, the PBC stressed that any creation of new provinces must follow constitutional procedures and be carried out through a parliamentary process. The council called for a national seminar to build consensus among political parties, parliamentary leaders and provincial bar representatives. The PBC authorised Vice‑Chairman Pir Muhammad Masood Chishti and its Executive Committee chairman to organise this seminar.\n Meanwhile, the SCBA reaffirmed its support for the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments and urged President Asif Ali Zardari to grant assent to high‑court judge appointments recommended by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan. Rashid warned that delays could harm constitutional integrity. The council also condemned the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s detaining of journalists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, demanding the withdrawal of such notices to protect freedom of expression.