Islamabad, Sep 14 (IANS) Pakistan is contemplating splitting its most populous province Punjab into two, newspapers reported Thursday.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sher Afgan Niazi was quoted as saying that the proposal to bifurcate Punjab was "under active consideration" of the government.

The minister's announcement comes at a time when Balochistan is in crisis amid allegations that Punjab province wields disproportionate influence over national affairs.

"It is a matter of regret that the provinces have started giving statements against each other. This is a dangerous tendency," the minister cautioned.

The minister says the government wants to give greater autonomy to provinces.

"If need be, the government will bring about amendments to the constitution in this respect. All political parties will be taken into confidence," he said.

The minister spoke of the possibility of appointing a governor general but did not elaborate.

Pakistan had a governor general at its birth in 1947, the position held by its founding father M.A. Jinnah. Later, Pakistan switched to having a president as the constitutional head.