One Unit (Pakistan)
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| One Unit Policy | |
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| Map of Pakistan under the One Unit Policy (1955–1970) | |
| Date | 14 October 1955 – 1 July 1970 |
| Location | West Pakistan |
| Cause | Administrative unification of West Pakistan |
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 It remained in effect until 1 July 1970, when it was repealed due to widespread opposition and political challenges.[1]
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.[2]
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.[3]
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.[4]
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.[5]
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.[6]
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.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ One Unit Policy Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Reasons for the One Unit Policy Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ One Unit Formation Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Objectives of the One Unit Policy Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Opposition to One Unit Policy Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Repeal of One Unit Policy Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Legacy of One Unit Policy Accessed: December 15, 2024.