Zardari meets Shehbaz as debate over new provinces gains momentum

LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari arrived at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s residence in Model Town, Lahore, on Saturday for a meeting to discuss key administrative and political matters.

The two leaders are expected to exchange views on administrative and political issues during the meeting.

President Asif Ali Zardari’s motorcade arrives at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s residence in Model Town, Lahore, on November 14, 2026. — SCREENGRAB

The meeting comes amid speculations about a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment and discussions on holding a referendum to gauge public opinion on the creation of new provinces or administrative units in the country.

There has been no official confirmation that the government is preparing a 28th Amendment. However, possible constitutional changes, including proposals concerning the creation of new provinces or administrative units, have featured in discussions among major political parties.

Zardari-Naqvi meeting

The President House rejected media reports suggesting that Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had discussed matters related to the creation of new provinces during a meeting in Nawabshah a day earlier.

The clarification followed reports claiming that the president and the interior minister had discussed the possible creation of new provinces during their meeting on Thursday night.

“There is no truth to media reports suggesting that matters concerning the provinces were discussed during the interior minister’s meeting with the president,” a President House spokesperson said.

The spokesperson clarified that the meeting had focused on national security and the regional situation.

“Matters concerning national security and the regional situation were discussed during the meeting. However, no discussion took place on matters related to provinces,” the statement added.

No official handout had initially been issued about the Nawabshah meeting, which took place amid renewed political debate over the country’s administrative structure.

This is a developing story…