Administrative Units of Pakistan
Pakistan is divided into several administrative units comprising four provinces, one federal territory, and two autonomous territories. These are:
- Provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan
- Federal Territory: Islamabad Capital Territory
- Autonomous Territories: Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan
Additionally, Pakistan claims sovereignty over the Indian-administered regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh since the First Kashmir War of 1947–1948. There is also a territorial dispute with India over Junagadh, although Pakistan has never exercised administrative authority over this region. All provinces and territories in Pakistan are further divided into divisions, districts, tehsils, and union councils.
Historical Context
Early History
At the time of independence in 1947, Pakistan inherited its current provinces from British India. Initially, Pakistan consisted of two wings separated by Indian territory: West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). In 1948, Karachi was designated as the Federal Capital Territory. By 1955, under the One Unit policy, all provinces and princely states in the western wing were merged into West Pakistan, while East Bengal was renamed East Pakistan. The One Unit policy aimed to reduce administrative costs and eliminate provincial biases but faced challenges following the military coup in 1958.
Significant Developments
- 1958: Pakistan purchased Gwadar from Oman, ending Omani rule over the enclave.
- 1960: The federal capital was moved to Rawalpindi and later to Islamabad in 1966.
- 1970: The One Unit policy was abolished, and four new provinces—Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)—were established.
- 1971: East Pakistan seceded to become Bangladesh.
- 1974: Princely states of Hunza and Nagar were merged to form the Northern Areas (now Gilgit-Baltistan).
- 2000: Divisions were abolished but later restored in 2008.
- 2010: North-West Frontier Province was renamed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- 2018: The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Administrative Structure
Country Level
The country is governed as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Province Level
Each province has its own government headed by a governor and chief minister. The provinces are:
- Punjab: Capital – Lahore
- Sindh: Capital – Karachi
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Capital – Peshawar
- Balochistan: Capital – Quetta
Division Level
Provinces are subdivided into divisions, each headed by a Divisional Commissioner.
District Level
Districts are the next level of administration, overseen by a District Coordination Officer (DCO). The districts are further divided into tehsils.
Tehsil Level
Tehsils, or talukas in Sindh, are subdivisions of districts, headed by Tehsil Nazims and Tehsil Municipal Administrations.
Union Council Level
The smallest administrative units are union councils, where local representatives are elected through direct elections.
Current Administrative Units
Provinces and Territories
- Islamabad Capital Territory: Capital – Islamabad
- Punjab: Capital – Lahore
- Sindh: Capital – Karachi
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Capital – Peshawar
- Balochistan: Capital – Quetta
- Gilgit-Baltistan: Capital – Gilgit
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Capital – Muzaffarabad
Population and Area
As of the 2023 census, the population and area of these regions are as follows:
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Population – Approximately 4.05 million, Area – 13,297 km²
- Balochistan: Population – Approximately 14.89 million, Area – 347,190 km²
- Gilgit-Baltistan: Population – Approximately 1.49 million, Area – 72,496 km²
- Islamabad Capital Territory: Population – Approximately 2.36 million, Area – 906 km²
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Population – Approximately 40.86 million, Area – 101,741 km²
- Punjab: Population – Approximately 127.69 million, Area – 205,345 km²
- Sindh: Population – Approximately 55.69 million, Area – 140,914 km²
Uncontrolled Administrative Units
- Jammu and Kashmir: Capital – Srinagar (under Indian administration)
- Junagadh: Capital – Junagadh (under Indian administration)
The administrative structure of Pakistan has evolved significantly since its independence, shaped by historical events and political changes. The current divisions and governance frameworks aim to ensure effective administration and delivery of services across the country’s diverse regions.