Based on its official administrative structure, Pakistan does not have "states." Instead, it is divided into provinces. As of 2024, Pakistan comprises four provinces.
According to the reference provided, the administrative units of Pakistan include:
- Four Provinces
- One Federal Territory
- Two Disputed Territories
Let's break down these administrative units to provide a clearer picture.
Provinces of Pakistan
The four main constituent units of Pakistan are its provinces. These are key political and administrative divisions with their own provincial governments.
The Four Provinces Are:
- Punjab
- Sindh
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (often abbreviated as KPK)
- Balochistan
Other Administrative Units
Beyond the provinces, Pakistan's administrative landscape also includes other significant territories.
- Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT): This is the federal territory where the capital city, Islamabad, is located. It is directly administered by the federal government.
- Disputed Territories: Pakistan administers parts of the historical Kashmir region, which are considered disputed territories. These are:
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)
- Gilgit–Baltistan (GB)
While Azad Jammu and Kashmir has its own government structure, and Gilgit-Baltistan has also been granted administrative autonomy, they are distinct from the four main provinces.
Summary of Administrative Units
Here is a table summarizing the administrative units based on the reference:
| Type of Unit | Number | Names |
|---|---|---|
| Provinces | 4 | Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan |
| Federal Territory | 1 | Islamabad Capital Territory |
| Disputed Territories | 2 | Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit–Baltistan |
Therefore, when people inquire about "states" in Pakistan, they are typically referring to the major federating units, which are officially called provinces. Pakistan has four such provinces.
