A Proposed Constitutional Framework for Uninational Federalism with Strong Centre

Sub title : Political treatise by Raghib Ahsan, Dacca, advocating for the abolition of British‑made linguistic provinces

Subject: Constitution of Pakistan | Federalism | Uninational state | Velayet system | Education centralisation

Date of publication: 1954

Language: English

Page: 0.5

Source: National Archives of Pakistan

Serial no: 28895

Keyword: Raghib Ahsan -- Five Velayet System -- Pakistan constitution 1954 -- Uninational state -- Strong centre | Gendarmery -- Centralisation of education -- Kashmir liberation -- Islamic ideology -- Anti-communism -- Dacca.

Abstract: This document is a political treatise written by Raghib Ahsan of Dacca, dated 13 September 1954. It proposes a constitutional framework for Pakistan called the “Five Velayet‑System” as an alternative to the Two‑Unit plan. The author argues for a strong central government with residuary and emergency powers, and the abolition of all British‑made linguistic and racial provinces. He suggests dividing Pakistan into five administrative “Velayets”: Northern (Punjab, Bahawalpur, N.W.F.P., Kashmir), Western (Sind, Baluchistan, Khairpur, etc.), Eastern (East Bengal east of Brahmaputra), North‑Eastern (Rajshahi Division and Sylhet), and a Central Velayet for Karachi. He calls for a “Uninational Constitution” based on the Millat‑i‑Islamia, with education and armed police (Gendarmery) made central subjects.

Description: This political document, written by Raghib Ahsan of Dacca in September 1954, presents a detailed constitutional proposal for Pakistan. The author rejects the Two‑Unit plan as a neo‑two‑nation theory that would weaken the centre and lead to disintegration. Instead, he proposes a “Five Velayet‑System” based on administrative convenience rather than linguistic or racial lines. He insists on a strong central government with plenary powers, uniform autonomy for all units, and the centralisation of education and armed police (a Gendarmery modelled on Turkey and France). The document includes extensive quotations from Prime Minister Mohammad Ali and references to the Ulema Convention of 1953. SCANNED BY: NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF PAKISTAN.

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