Administrative Structure
Pakistan’s four provinces, capital territory, and two autonomous territories are organized into 38 administrative divisions, further divided into districts, tehsils, and union councils. Although divisions were abolished in 2000, they were reinstated in 2008. Notably, the divisions do not include the Islamabad Capital Territory or the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). However, in 2018, FATA was merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and integrated into its neighboring divisions.
Historical Overview
Colonial Roots of Administrative Divisions
The concept of administrative divisions in Pakistan has its roots in the colonial era, where British India was divided into provinces, each further segmented into divisions and districts. This structure was integral to governance during the British rule and was adopted by Pakistan post-independence.
Administrative Structure at Independence (1947)
Upon gaining independence in 1947, Pakistan was divided into two wings: East Pakistan and West Pakistan, separated by India. Each wing had its own set of divisions:
- East Pakistan: Comprised four divisions—Chittagong, Dacca, Khulna, and Rajshahi.
- West Pakistan: Consisted of three provinces subdivided into ten divisions:
- West Punjab: Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Sargodha.
- North-West Frontier Province (NWFP): Dera Ismail Khan, Peshawar.
- Sind Province: Primarily formed Hyderabad Division.
The One Unit Policy and Its Impact (1955-1970)
The One Unit policy, implemented from 1955 to 1970, marked a significant shift in Pakistan’s administrative structure. This policy merged all provinces into two large units:
- East Pakistan: Retained its original four divisions.
- West Pakistan: Gained seven new divisions, bringing the total to thirteen:
- Kalat Division: Formed from the Baluchistan States Union.
- Quetta Division: Created from the Baluchistan Chief Commissioner’s Province.
- Khairpur Division: Merged parts of the princely state of Khairpur and Hyderabad Division.
- Bahawalpur Division: Incorporated the princely state of Bahawalpur into West Punjab.
- Karachi-Bela Division: Formed by merging the Federal Capital Territory with Las Bela district.
- Malakand Division: Created in 1969, including Chitral, Dir, and Swat with Saidu as the headquarters.
Post-One Unit Reorganizations
The administrative divisions continued to evolve after the One Unit policy:
- 1975: Khairpur Division was abolished and replaced by Sukkur Division.
- 1980: Sukkur Division was bifurcated to create Larkana Division.
- 1990: Mirpurkhas Division was established by splitting Hyderabad Division.
Abolition and Restoration of Divisions in Sindh
In 2000, the Sindh government abolished the divisional system as part of decentralization reforms. However, the divisional system was reinstated on July 11, 2011, reflecting the ongoing need for a structured administrative framework within the province.
Formation of New Divisions
Post-One Unit Reorganization
After the dissolution of West Pakistan in 1970, the country was restructured into four new provinces. This led to the formation of several new administrative divisions over the following decades, reflecting the evolving governance needs of the country.
Formation of Divisions in the 1970s
During the late 1970s, several new divisions were carved out from existing ones:
- Hazara and Kohat Divisions: Created by splitting Peshawar Division.
- Gujranwala Division: Formed from parts of Lahore and Rawalpindi Divisions.
- Dera Ghazi Khan Division: Split from Multan Division.
- Faisalabad Division: Established by bifurcating Sargodha Division.
- Sibi Division: Formed from portions of Kalat and Quetta Divisions.
- Lasbela District: Transferred from Karachi Division to Kalat Division.
- Makran Division: Created by splitting Kalat Division.
- Khairpur Division: Renamed as Sukkur Division, with the divisional headquarters moved from Khairpur to Sukkur.
Creation of New Divisions in the 1980s and 1990s
Further divisions were established during the 1980s and 1990s:
- Shaheed Benazirabad Division: Formed as a new division in Sindh.
- Naseerabad Division: Split from Sibi Division.
- Zhob Division: Created by splitting Quetta Division.
- Bannu Division: Split from Dera Ismail Khan Division.
- Mardan Division: Established by bifurcating Peshawar Division.
- Larkana Division: Carved out from Sukkur Division.
- Mirpur Khas Division: Created by splitting Hyderabad Division.
General Zia-ul-Haq’s Proposal for Divisions as Provinces
During the military rule of General Zia-ul-Haq, the Advisory Council of Islamic Ideology, led by Justice Tanzilur Rahman, proposed a significant administrative restructuring. The council recommended that the existing four provinces be dissolved, and the twenty administrative divisions should be elevated to the status of provinces within a federal structure. This proposal aimed at greater devolution of power, though it was never implemented.
Recent Developments in Divisional Structure
In the last three decades, several new divisions have been established:
- Sahiwal Division: Formed from parts of Lahore and Multan Divisions.
- Sheikhupura Division: Created from portions of Lahore and Faisalabad Divisions.
- Kalat Division Capital: The capital was moved from Kalat to Khuzdar.
- Rakhshan Division: Recently added to Balochistan, comprising parts of Quetta and Kalat Divisions, with Kharan as its capital.
- Loralai Division: Added to Balochistan in June 2021 by splitting off from Zhob Division.
Recent Additions to Punjab
- Gujrat Division: Established on 17 August 2022 as a new division in Punjab.
- Mianwali Division: Added to Punjab on January 14, 2023, further expanding the administrative divisions of the province.
Abolition
In August 2000, a significant shift in Pakistan’s administrative structure occurred with the introduction of local government reforms, which led to the abolition of the “Division” as an administrative tier. This change was part of a broader effort to decentralize governance and empower local government councils. The first elections under this new system were held in 2001.
Introduction of Local Government Councils
The reforms introduced a system of local government councils, designed to enhance local governance by implementing the principle of subsidiarity. This principle advocated that functions which could be effectively managed at the local level should be transferred from provincial and divisional authorities to districts and tehsils.
Devolution of Powers
The restructuring under these reforms resulted in the devolution of many functions, traditionally handled at the provincial and divisional levels, to the district and tehsil levels. This aimed to improve efficiency and responsiveness in governance by bringing decision-making closer to the people.
Impact on Divisional Structure
At the time of abolition, Pakistan had twenty-six divisions:
- Sindh: Five divisions
- Balochistan: Six divisions
- Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: Seven divisions
- Punjab: Eight divisions
The abolition of divisions did not affect the three divisions of Azad Kashmir, where divisions continue to form the second tier of government. This distinction underscored the unique administrative status of Azad Kashmir within Pakistan’s federal structure.
Restoration of Divisions
Reinstatement Post-2008 Elections
In 2008, following public elections, the newly elected government decided to restore the divisional administrative structure across all provinces. This marked a significant reversal from the earlier abolition of divisions, reinstating a governance system that had been in place for decades.
Restoration in Sindh
In Sindh, the restoration process was particularly significant. After the Local Government Bodies’ term ended in 2010, the Sindh government moved to re-establish the Divisional Commissioners system. This decision was influenced by the province’s unique political dynamics and the need to strengthen administrative control.
July 2011: Response to Karachi Violence and Political Developments
In July 2011, the city of Karachi experienced excessive violence, which coincided with a political split between the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the majority party in Sindh. The resignation of the MQM Governor of Sindh further intensified the situation. In response, the PPP and the Government of Sindh decided to restore the commissioner system across the province. This restoration led to the re-establishment of the five historical divisions in Sindh: Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, and Larkana. Additionally, a new division, Shaheed Benazirabad, was created.
Reorganization of Karachi District
As part of the restoration, Karachi District was de-merged into its original five constituent districts: Karachi East, Karachi West, Karachi Central, Karachi South, and Malir. Furthermore, Korangi was upgraded to the status of a sixth district, created by splitting from Karachi East District. More recently, Keamari District was formed by bifurcating Karachi West District. These seven districts now collectively form the Karachi Division.
Current Divisions
As of the 2023 Census of Pakistan, the country is divided into 32 administrative divisions spread across its provinces, along with 6 divisions in Pakistani-administered Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Below is a breakdown of these divisions by province:
Number of Divisions by Province
According to the information provided in the search results, the total number of divisions in Pakistan is 38, distributed across the provinces as follows:
| Provinces Name | Total Divisions |
| Punjab | 11 |
| Sindh | 6 |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 7 |
| Balochistan | 8 |
| Gilgit-Baltistan | 3 |
| Azad Jammu & Kashmir | 3 |
Punjab
Divisions of Punjab
The divisions of Punjab are the first-order administrative units in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. There are 10 divisions in total, each further subdivided into districts, with the number of districts per division ranging from three to six, depending on the area. Divisions are governed by Commissioners, while districts are managed by Deputy Commissioners.
List of all Divisions of Punjab
| Sr. No | Division Name | Districts | Area (km²) | Population (2023) |
| 1 | Bahawalpur Division | Bahawalpur District, Bahawalnagar District, Rahim Yar Khan District | 45,588 | 13,400,009 |
| 2 | Dera Ghazi Khan Division | Dera Ghazi Khan District, Layyah District, Muzaffargarh District, Rajanpur District, Taunsa District, Kot Addu District | 38,778 | 12,892,465 |
| 3 | Faisalabad Division | Faisalabad District, Chiniot District, Toba Tek Singh District, Jhang District | 17,918 | 16,228,526 |
| 4 | Gujranwala Division | Gujranwala District, Narowal District, Sialkot District | 17,207 | 18,778,868 |
| 5 | Gujrat Division | Gujrat District, Hafizabad District, Mandi Bahauddin District, Wazirabad District | N/A | N/A |
| 6 | Lahore Division | Lahore District, Kasur District, Nankana Sahib District, Sheikhupura District | 11,727 | 22,772,710 |
| 7 | Multan Division | Multan District, Lodhran District, Khanewal District, Vehari District | 15,211 | 14,085,102 |
| 8 | Rawalpindi Division | Rawalpindi District, Jhelum District, Chakwal District, Attock District, Murree District | 22,254 | 11,406,496 |
| 9 | Sahiwal Division | Sahiwal District, Pakpattan District, Okara District | 10,302 | 8,533,471 |
| 10 | Sargodha Division | Sargodha District, Bhakkar District, Khushab District, Minawali District | 26,360 | 9,591,275 |
| 11 | Mianwali Divisions | Bhakkar, Mianwali | 13,993 | 3,755,738 |
SINDH
Divisions of Sindh
The divisions of Sindh are the primary administrative units within the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Currently, Sindh is organized into six divisions, with each division consisting of multiple districts. The number of districts within a division is determined by the geographical size and administrative needs of the region. Each division is managed by a Commissioner, who is responsible for overseeing administrative functions at the divisional level. In contrast, individual districts within these divisions are administered by Deputy Commissioners, who handle district-level governance and coordination.
List of all Divisions of Sindh
| Sr. No. | Division Name | Districts | Area (km²) | Population (2023) |
| 1 | Hyderabad Division | Dadu District, Hyderabad, Jamshoro District, Matiari District, Tando Allahyar District, Tando Muhammad Khan District, Badin District, Sujawal District, Thatta District | 48,670 | 11,659,246 |
| 2 | Karachi Division | Central, East, South, West, Korangi, Malir, Kemari | 3,527 | 20,382,881 |
| 3 | Larkana Division | Jacobabad District, Kashmore District, Larkana District, Qambar Shahdadkot District, Shikarpur District | 15,213 | 7,093,706 |
| 4 | Mirpur Khas Division | Mirpur Khas District, Tharparkar District, Umerkot District | 28,170 | 4,619,624 |
| 5 | Shaheed Benazirabad Division | Naushahro Feroze District, Shaheed Benazir Abad District, Sanghar District | 18,176 | 5,930,649 |
| 6 | Sukkur Division | Ghotki District, Khairpur District, Sukkur District | 27,158 | 6,010,041 |
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Divisions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The divisions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa serve as the primary administrative units of the province in Pakistan. There are seven divisions in total, with each division comprising between two to nine districts based on geographic size and population. Commissioners are responsible for managing the affairs at the divisional level, while Deputy Commissioners oversee governance and administration at the district level.
List of all Divisions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
| Sr. No. | Division Name | Districts | Area (km²) | Population (2023) |
| 1 | Bannu Division | Bannu District, Lakki Marwat District, North Waziristan District | 9,975 | 3,092,078 |
| 2 | Dera Ismail Khan Division | Dera Ismail Khan District, Upper South Waziristan District, Lower South Waziristan District, Tank District | 18,854 | 3,188,779 |
| 3 | Hazara Division | Abbottabad District, Allai District, Batagram District, Haripur District, Kolai-Palas District, Lower Kohistan District, Mansehra District, Tor Ghar District, Upper Kohistan District | 17,064 | 6,188,736 |
| 4 | Kohat Division | Hangu District, Karak District, Kohat District, Kurram District, Orakzai District | 12,377 | 3,752,436 |
| 5 | Malakand Division | Bajaur District, Buner District, Central Dir District, Lower Chitral District, Lower Dir District, Malakand District, Shangla District, Swat District, Upper Chitral District, Upper Dir District | 31,162 | 9,959,399 |
| 6 | Mardan Division | Mardan District, Swabi District | 3,175 | 4,639,498 |
| 7 | Peshawar Division | Charsadda District, Khyber District, Mohmand District, Nowshera District, Peshawar District | 9,134 | 10,035,171 |
Balochistan
Divisions of Balochistan
The divisions of Balochistan serve as the primary administrative regions of Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The province is divided into eight distinct divisions, each of which is composed of multiple districts. These divisions help manage local governance and facilitate the administration of services within the province.
List of all Divisions of Balochistan
| Sr. No. | Division Name | Districts | Area (km²) | Population (2023) |
| 1 | Kalat Division | Awaran District, Hub District, Kalat District, Khuzdar District, Lasbela District, Mastung District, Surab District | 91,767 | 2,721,018 |
| 2 | Loralai Division | Loralai District, Barkhan District, Musakhail District, Duki District | 17,260 | 870,000 |
| 3 | Makran Division | Gwadar District, Kech District, Panjgur District | 52,067 | 1,875,872 |
| 4 | Naseerabad Division | Kachhi District, Jaffarabad District, Jhal Magsi District, Nasirabad District, Sohbatpur District, Usta Muhammad District | 15,129 | 2,044,021 |
| 5 | Quetta Division | Killa Abdullah District, Karezat District, Pishin District, Quetta District, Chaman District | 14,559 | 4,259,163 |
| 6 | Rakhshan Division | Chagai District, Washuk District, Nushki District, Kharan District | 98,596 | 1,040,001 |
| 7 | Sibi Division | Sibi District, Kohlu District, Dera Bugti District, Ziarat District, Harnai District, Lehri District | 30,684 | 1,156,748 |
| 8 | Zhob Division | Zhob District, Killa Saifullah District, Sherani District | 27,128 | 927,579 |
Gilgit Baltistan
Divions of Gilgit Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan, a self-governing region in northern Pakistan, is administratively divided into three primary divisions: Gilgit, Baltistan, and Diamer. Each division is further subdivided into districts, governed by commissioners who oversee administrative functions, while local governance at the district level is managed by Deputy Commissioners. These divisions are crucial for managing the socio-economic and developmental needs of this mountainous and strategically important region.
List of all Divions of Gilgit Baltistan
| Sr. No. | Division | District | Area (km²) | Population (2023) |
| 1 | Diamer | – Astore, Diamer, Darel, Tangir | 7,500 | 230,000 |
| 2 | Gilgit | Ghizer, Gupis–Yasin, Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar | 39,951 | 525,000 |
| 3 | Baltistan | Ghanche, Skardu, Shigar, Kharmang, Roundu | 43,609 | 650,000 |
Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Divisions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a self-governing administrative region of Pakistan, is divided into three primary divisions for effective governance and administration. Each division is administered by a divisional commissioner, and districts within the divisions are governed by Deputy Commissioners, ensuring local governance, service delivery, and coordination. The divisions are:
List of all Divisions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
| Sr. No. | Division | Districts | Area (km²) | Population (2023) |
| 1 | Muzaffarabad | Muzaffarabad, Neelum, Jhelum Valley | 6,117 | 1,150,000 |
| 2 | Poonch | Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, Sudhnuti | 3,473 | 1,070,000 |
| 3 | Mirpur | Kotli, Mirpur, Bhimber | 4,123 | 1,350,000 |
These divisions serve as key administrative units in Pakistan, providing a framework for governance, resource allocation, and development planning at a regional level. The creation of new divisions and the reorganization of existing ones reflect ongoing efforts to improve administrative efficiency and address the growing needs of the population.