The False Promise of One Unit

Article Type

Article

Description

The One Unit scheme, introduced in 1955, merged Sindh, Punjab, NWFP, Balochistan, tribal areas and princely states into a single province, West Pakistan, in an effort to centralize power and curb East Pakistan’s majority. It remained deeply controversial, provoking resistance from smaller provinces and civil society who saw it as an attack on provincial identity and autonomy. Although dissolved in 1970 by General Yahya Khan, the legacy of centralization persists in ongoing debates over the 18th Amendment, provincial rights, and federal balance. The history of One Unit highlights how centralized control fueled instability, weakened democracy, and deepened provincial grievances. Today, Pakistan’s stability depends on equitable resource distribution, meaningful inter-provincial dialogue, and empowering local governments to strengthen the federation.

Publication Source

Dawn

Publication Date

7-3-2022

Pages

online

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