Parvej Husen Talukder: Created page with "{{Short description|Political reorganization of West Pakistan (1955–1970)}}{{Infobox historical event|name=One Unit Policy|image=One Unit Map of Pakistan.png|caption=Map of Pakistan under the One Unit Policy (1955–1970)|location=West Pakistan|date=14 October 1955 – 1 July 1970|cause=Administrative unification of West Pakistan|result=Dissolution of provinces into a single unit; later reverted}}The '''One Unit Policy''' was a political initiative implemented in [..."

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Created page with "{{Short description|Political reorganization of West Pakistan (1955–1970)}}{{Infobox historical event|name=One Unit Policy|image=One Unit Map of Pakistan.png|caption=Map of Pakistan under the One Unit Policy (1955–1970)|location=West Pakistan|date=14 October 1955 – 1 July 1970|cause=Administrative unification of West Pakistan|result=Dissolution of provinces into a single unit; later reverted}}The '''One Unit Policy''' was a political initiative implemented in [..."

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{{Short description|Political reorganization of West Pakistan (1955–1970)}}{{Infobox historical event|name=One Unit Policy|image=One Unit Map of Pakistan.png|caption=Map of Pakistan under the One Unit Policy (1955–1970)|location=[[West Pakistan]]|date=14 October 1955 – 1 July 1970|cause=Administrative unification of West Pakistan|result=Dissolution of provinces into a single unit; later reverted}}The '''One Unit Policy''' was a political initiative implemented in [[West Pakistan]] on 14 October 1955 to merge the provinces and princely states into a single administrative unit. The policy aimed to counterbalance the political dominance of [[East Pakistan]] (now [[Bangladesh]]) and streamline governance in the western wing of Pakistan. It remained in effect until 1 July 1970, when it was repealed due to widespread opposition and political challenges.<ref>{{cite web|title=One Unit Policy|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Pakistan/The-One-Unit-Program|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== Background ==
Following the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the country consisted of two geographically and culturally distinct regions:

* '''East Pakistan''': Composed of the Bengali-speaking population.
* '''West Pakistan''': A collection of provinces and princely states, including [[Punjab]], [[Sindh]], [[Balochistan]], [[North-West Frontier Province]] (NWFP), and others.

The population of East Pakistan outnumbered that of West Pakistan, creating an imbalance in representation in the national legislature. To address this and consolidate administrative control, the government proposed the One Unit Policy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reasons for the One Unit Policy|url=https://www.thefridaytimes.com/one-unit-and-the-loss-of-east-pakistan/|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== Implementation ==
The policy was enacted on 14 October 1955 under the leadership of [[Governor-General]] [[Iskander Mirza]]. The provinces and princely states of West Pakistan were merged into a single unit called "West Pakistan." The capital of West Pakistan was established in [[Lahore]], and a unified legislative assembly was formed.<ref>{{cite web|title=One Unit Formation|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1498584|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== Objectives ==
The One Unit Policy was introduced with the following objectives:

* To counter the demographic dominance of East Pakistan by giving both wings equal representation in the federal legislature.
* To streamline administration by eliminating provincial boundaries in West Pakistan.
* To promote national integration and reduce ethnic and regional divisions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Objectives of the One Unit Policy|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Pakistan/The-One-Unit-Program|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== Opposition ==
The policy faced strong opposition from various ethnic groups and political parties in West Pakistan. Critics argued that:

* The policy marginalized smaller ethnic groups, such as Sindhis, Baloch, and Pashtuns, while favoring Punjabi dominance.
* It weakened provincial identities and autonomy.
* The centralized administration was inefficient and failed to address regional grievances.<ref>{{cite web|title=Opposition to One Unit Policy|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1371730/one-unit-policy-regional-discontent-pakistan|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== Repeal ==
The One Unit Policy was abolished on 1 July 1970 under the government of [[Yahya Khan]]. The repeal restored the original provinces of West Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and NWFP. This decision was made in response to growing regional discontent and the demand for greater provincial autonomy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Repeal of One Unit Policy|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1498596|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
The One Unit Policy is often criticized as a failed experiment that exacerbated regional inequalities and contributed to the eventual secession of East Pakistan in 1971. It highlighted the challenges of managing a diverse and geographically divided country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Legacy of One Unit Policy|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Pakistan/The-One-Unit-Program|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[History of Pakistan]]
* [[Bengali Language Movement]]
* [[Partition of Bengal]]
* [[Bangladesh Liberation War]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://www.britannica.com/place/Pakistan/The-One-Unit-Program Britannica – The One Unit Program]
* [https://www.dawn.com/news/1498596 Dawn – One Unit Policy and Its Repeal]

One Unit (Pakistan) - Revision history