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{{Short description|Former federal unit of Pakistan (1955–1970)}}{{Infobox former subdivision|native_name=مغربی پاکستان|conventional_long_name=West Pakistan|common_name=West Pakistan|status=Administrative province of [[Pakistan]]|government_type=Provincial government|year_start=1955|year_end=1970|event_start=Formation of [[One Unit Policy]]|date_start=14 October 1955|event_end=Abolition of One Unit Policy|date_end=1 July 1970|p1=Dominion of Pakistan|s1=Pakistan|flag=Flag of Pakistan.svg|flag_caption=Flag of Pakistan|capital=[[Lahore]]|official_languages=[[Urdu]], [[English]]|area_km2=880254|population_estimate=~50 million (1961 census)}}'''West Pakistan''' ({{lang-ur|مغربی پاکستان}}, ''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]].<ref>{{cite web|title=West Pakistan|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Pakistan/The-One-Unit-Program|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Formation of West Pakistan|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1498584|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Geography of West Pakistan|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Pakistan|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== 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).<ref>{{cite web|title=Administration of West Pakistan|url=https://www.historydiscussion.net/articles/one-unit-policy-of-pakistan/|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Demographics of West Pakistan|url=https://www.thefridaytimes.com/demographics-of-west-pakistan/|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Challenges of West Pakistan|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/one-unit-policy-and-regional-discontent|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Abolition of West Pakistan|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1498596|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Legacy of West Pakistan|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Pakistan/The-One-Unit-Program|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[East Pakistan]]
* [[One Unit Policy]]
* [[Partition of India]]
* [[Bangladesh Liberation War]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://www.britannica.com/place/Pakistan/The-One-Unit-Program Britannica – One Unit Program]
* [https://www.history.com/topics/bangladesh-liberation-war History.com – Bangladesh Liberation War]

West Pakistan - Revision history