Understanding Pakistan’s Provinces and Disputed Territories

A recurring theme across these regions is the perception of Punjab's dominance in political and resource allocation matters.

Pakistan comprises four main provinces—Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Balochistan—along with two disputed regions, Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), which India claims as its own territories. Each region has its unique demographics, cultures, and challenges. A recurring theme across these regions is the perception of Punjab’s dominance in political and resource allocation matters.

Below is a detailed breakdown of each province and disputed territory, including their population (as per the 2023 census), area, ethnic composition, key issues, and grievances, particularly concerning Punjab’s influence.

1. Punjab: The Powerhouse

• Capital: Lahore
• Population: 127,688,922 (2023)
• Area: 205,344 km²
• Ethnicity: Predominantly Punjabis (~45% of Pakistan’s population), primarily Muslim. Minorities include Christians and a small number of Sikhs. Saraikis and Muhajirs also live here.
• Key Issues: While Punjab is Pakistan’s most developed province, southern regions like Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan feel neglected, citing disparities in infrastructure and public services.
• Grievances: Other provinces perceive Punjab as monopolizing political power and resources, leading to calls for more equitable distribution and even the creation of a separate South Punjab province.

2. Sindh: The Financial Hub

• Capital: Karachi
• Population: 55,696,147 (2023)
• Area: 140,914 km²
• Ethnicity: Sindhis (~14% of Pakistan’s population), Muhajirs (Urdu-speaking migrants), Pashtuns, Balochs. Small Hindu and Christian communities.
• Key Issues: Karachi, the economic center, faces challenges like urban overcrowding and infrastructure deficits. Rural Sindh struggles with poverty and inadequate public services.
• Grievances: Sindhis often accuse Punjab of overexploiting the Indus River’s water resources, adversely affecting agriculture in Sindh.

3. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK): The Frontier

• Capital: Peshawar
• Population: 40,856,097 (2023)
• Area: 101,741 km²
• Ethnicity: Predominantly Pashtuns (~15% of Pakistan’s population), with minorities including Hindkowans.
• Key Issues: KPK faces security challenges due to its proximity to Afghanistan, along with economic underdevelopment and limited access to quality education and healthcare.
• Grievances: Residents feel marginalized in national decision-making and believe that Punjab receives a disproportionate share of national resources.

4. Balochistan: The Resource-Rich Outcast

• Capital: Quetta
• Population: 14,894,402 (2023)
• Area: 347,190 km²
• Ethnicity: Balochs (~5% of Pakistan’s population), Brahuis, and Pashtuns.
• Key Issues: Despite being rich in natural resources like gas and minerals, Balochistan remains underdeveloped, with poor infrastructure and limited access to basic services.
• Grievances: Balochs allege that Punjab exploits their resources without adequate compensation or investment in the province, fueling separatist sentiments.

5. Gilgit-Baltistan: India’s Claimed Territory

• Capital: Gilgit
• Population: 1,492,924 (2017)
• Area: 72,971 km²
• Ethnicity: Diverse groups including Shina, Balti, and Burusho speakers, predominantly Muslim (Shia, Sunni, and Ismaili).
• Key Issues: The region lacks constitutional recognition and representation in Pakistan’s national parliament, leading to political disenfranchisement.
• Grievances: Locals feel neglected in terms of development and infrastructure, with their resources being utilized without corresponding benefits.
• Note: India considers Gilgit-Baltistan an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir, illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947.

6. Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK): India’s Territory

• Capital: Muzaffarabad
• Population: 4,045,366 (2017)
• Area: 13,297 km²
• Ethnicity: Primarily Kashmiri Muslims, with communities of Paharis and Gujjars.
• Key Issues: The region faces economic challenges, limited political autonomy, and infrastructural deficits.
• Grievances: Residents express dissatisfaction with the lack of genuine self-governance and allege exploitation by the central authorities.
• Note: India asserts that PoJK is an integral part of its territory, illegally occupied by Pakistan.

Why the Anger Against Punjab?

Punjab’s significant population and economic clout translate into substantial political influence. This dominance often leads to perceptions of unequal resource distribution, marginalization of smaller provinces, and centralized decision-making, fueling regional grievances and calls for greater autonomy.

Looking Forward

Addressing these regional disparities requires a commitment to equitable resource distribution, inclusive governance, and genuine federalism. Recognizing and respecting the unique identities and needs of each province and territory is essential for Pakistan’s unity and stability.

——E.O.M

( The author Girish Linganna of this article is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com )