West Pakistan
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| West Pakistan | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Flag of Pakistan | |
| Status | Administrative province of Pakistan |
| Capital | Lahore |
| Government | Provincial government |
| Established | 1955 |
| Dissolved | 1970 |
| Event that Created | Formation of One Unit Policy |
| Event that Dissolved | Abolition of One Unit Policy |
West Pakistan (Template:Lang-ur, Maghribi Pakistan) was one of the two provincial wings of Pakistan from 14 October 1955 to 1 July 1970, formed under the One Unit Policy. It encompassed the present-day provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, along with the tribal areas and princely states. The capital of West Pakistan was Lahore.[1]
Formation
The One Unit Policy was introduced in 1955 to consolidate the provinces, princely states, and tribal areas of West Pakistan into a single administrative unit. This was done to counterbalance the population and political dominance of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and to streamline governance.[2]
Geography
West Pakistan covered an area of 880,254 square kilometers, stretching from the Himalayas in the north to the Arabian Sea in the south. The region was diverse, encompassing arid deserts, fertile plains, and mountainous terrain.[3]
Administration
West Pakistan was governed by a provincial assembly, with administrative and legislative powers concentrated in Lahore. The unified structure abolished the previous provincial boundaries of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and NWFP (North-West Frontier Province).[4]
Demographics
The population of West Pakistan was approximately 50 million in the 1961 census, comprising various ethnic groups, including Punjabis, Sindhis, Pashtuns, and Baloch. The majority of the population was Muslim, with small communities of Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs.[5]
Challenges and Opposition
The One Unit Policy and the creation of West Pakistan faced significant opposition:
- Ethnic Marginalization: Smaller ethnic groups, such as Sindhis, Baloch, and Pashtuns, felt dominated by Punjabis, who constituted the majority.
- Centralization: Critics argued that the policy reduced local autonomy and concentrated power in Lahore.
- Tensions with East Pakistan: The policy failed to address the grievances of East Pakistan, leading to increased demands for autonomy.[6]
Abolition
West Pakistan was dissolved on 1 July 1970, following the repeal of the One Unit Policy by the government of Yahya Khan. The original provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and NWFP were restored.[7]
Legacy
The formation and dissolution of West Pakistan remain controversial. While it aimed to create administrative efficiency and national unity, it deepened ethnic divides and contributed to the eventual secession of East Pakistan, which became Bangladesh in 1971.[8]
See also
References
- ↑ West Pakistan Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Formation of West Pakistan Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Geography of West Pakistan Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Administration of West Pakistan Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Demographics of West Pakistan Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Challenges of West Pakistan Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Abolition of West Pakistan Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Legacy of West Pakistan Accessed: December 15, 2024.