The Dominion of Pakistan (later the Islamic Republic of Pakistan) was founded in 1947 as a result of the independence of India from British rule, when India was simultaneously partitioned to create Pakistan (in two non-contiguous halves called East Pakistan & West Pakistan). East Pakistan seceded in 1971 as a result of the Language Movement followed by the Bangladesh War of Independence, and West Pakistan has continued the Pakistani national identity since. Pakistan is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.