History of Lahore in Timeline

Lahore is the capital and largest city of Punjab, Pakistan, and the second-largest city in Pakistan. With a population exceeding 14 million, it ranks as the 27th largest city globally. It serves as a major industrial, educational, and economic center for Pakistan. Historically, Lahore has been the cultural heart of the broader Punjab region. The city is known for its socially liberal, progressive, and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

1901: British Census in Lahore

In 1901, the British conducted a census in Lahore, counting 20,691 houses in the Walled City, with an estimated population of 200,000 people.

1921: Establishment of Model Town

In 1921, Lahore's Model Town was established as a "garden town" suburb.

1931: Hanging of Bhagat Singh

In 1931, Bhagat Singh was hanged in Lahore's jail, where the British imprisoned independence activists.

1940: Lahore Resolution Passed

In 1940, under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the All India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution, demanding the creation of Pakistan as a separate homeland for the Muslims of India.

1941: Population Census of Lahore

According to the 1941 census, the city of Lahore had a population of 671,659, of which 64.5% was Muslim, with the remainder 35% being Hindu and Sikh, alongside a small Christian community.

1941: Muslim majority census

In 1941, the census showed Lahore to have a Muslim majority.

1945: Dispute over Lahore's Muslim Population

Before the Boundary Commission drew the Radcliffe Line, Hindus and Sikhs disputed the 1941 census figure and argued that Lahore was only 54% Muslim based on 1945 ration card figures.

April 1947: Early Riots in Lahore

In April 1947, early riots in Lahore destroyed 6,000 of the city's 82,000 homes due to rising tensions over its uncertain fate during Partition.

August 1947: Mass Exodus of Hindus and Sikhs

By late August 1947, as hopes dwindled that the Boundary Commission would award Lahore to India, 66% of Hindus and Sikhs had left the city.

August 1947: Lahore Awarded to Pakistan

On August 17, 1947, Lahore was awarded to Pakistan based on its Muslim majority in the 1941 census and became the capital of the Punjab province. The Radcliffe Line had not yet been announced on 14 August 1947, the day Pakistan's independence was declared.

1947: Pakistan's Independence

In 1947, Lahore became part of Pakistan following the country's independence, marking a significant shift in its political landscape.

1947: Partition of British India

In 1947, Lahore experienced some of the worst rioting during the partition of British India preceding Pakistan's establishment. Following the success of the Pakistan Movement and the subsequent partition in 1947, Lahore was declared the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province.

1947: Destruction of Shah Alami Bazaar

In 1947, the Shah Alami Bazaar was destroyed during riots.

1949: Reconstruction of Shah Alami Bazaar

In 1949, reconstruction began of the Shah Alami Bazaar after its destruction in the 1947 riots.

1950: Manufacturing Unit Operations

By 1950, only 27% of Lahore's manufacturing units were operating, typically below capacity, reflecting a weakened economy post-partition.

1951: Tomb of Allama Iqbal Built

In 1951, the Tomb of Allama Iqbal was built to honor the philosopher-poet who inspired the Pakistan movement.

1955: Lahore Capital of West Pakistan

In 1955, Lahore was selected as the capital of West Pakistan during the single-unit period, which lasted until 1970.

1959: Gaddafi Stadium Completed

In 1959, Gaddafi Stadium, a Test cricket ground in Lahore, was completed.

1965: Indo-Pakistani War

Lahore was targeted during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, demonstrating severe resistance to the enemy.

1966: Award of Hilal-i-istaqlal

In 1966, the Government of Pakistan awarded the Hilal-i-istaqlal to Lahore for its resistance during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

1968: Completion of Minar-e-Pakistan

In 1968, Lahore's iconic Minar-e-Pakistan was completed to mark the spot where the Pakistan Resolution was passed.

1970: End of Single-Unit Period

In 1970, the single-unit period ended, during which Lahore had been the capital of West Pakistan since 1955.

1971: Radcliffe's Claim about Lahore

In 1971, Indian journalist Kuldip Nayar claimed that Cyril Radcliffe told him he originally planned to give Lahore to India but decided to place it within Pakistan.

1974: Islamic Summit Conference

In 1974, the second Islamic Summit Conference was held in Lahore.

1981: UNESCO World Heritage Site Designation

In 1981, the Lahore Fort and adjoining Shalimar Gardens were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

1990: Men's Hockey World Cup Finals

In 1990, Lahore successfully hosted the finals of the Men's Hockey World Cup.

1992: Riots Targeting Non-Muslim Monuments

In 1992, riots erupted in Lahore in retaliation for the destruction of the Babri Masjid in India, targeting several non-Muslim monuments.

1996: Cricket World Cup

In 1996, Lahore successfully hosted the Cricket World Cup.

1998: Annual Growth Rate

Since 1998, Lahore has had an annual population growth rate of 4.07%.

2002: CNG Requirement for Auto Rickshaws

Since 2002, all auto rickshaws in Lahore have been required to use compressed natural gas (CNG) as fuel.

June 2003: Record High Temperature

On June 5, 2003, Lahore recorded its highest temperature at 50.4 °C (122.7 °F).

2003: Opening of New Passenger Terminal

In 2003, a new passenger terminal was opened at Allama Iqbal International Airport, replacing the old terminal which was then repurposed as a VIP and Hajj lounge.

January 2005: First Lahore Marathon

On January 30, 2005, the first Lahore Marathon was held, sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank.

January 2006: Second Lahore Marathon

On January 29, 2006, the second Lahore Marathon was held, with more than 22,000 participants.

January 2007: Third Lahore Marathon

On January 14, 2007, the third Lahore Marathon was held.

June 2007: High Temperature Recorded

On June 10, 2007, a temperature of 48 °C (118 °F) was recorded in the shade in Lahore, with a heat index of 55 °C (131 °F) in direct sunlight.

2007: Kite-Flying Ban Reimposed

In 2007, a ban on kite-flying in Lahore, which had been temporarily lifted for two days, was immediately reimposed after 11 people were killed due to celebratory gunfire, sharp kite-strings, electrocution, and falls.

2008: City's GDP

As of 2008, Lahore's gross domestic product (GDP) by purchasing power parity (PPP) was estimated at $40 billion.

2009: Walled City Restoration Project Begins

In 2009, the Punjab government initiated the Walled City of Lahore restoration project, starting with the Royal Trail from Akbari Gate to the Lahore Fort, funded by the World Bank.

May 2010: Inauguration of Lahore Expo Centre

The Lahore Expo Centre was inaugurated on May 22, 2010.

2011: Lake City Golf Course Opens

In 2011, Lake City, a 9-hole golf course, opened in nearby Raiwind Road.

2013: Punjab Local Government Act Defines Mayor's Role

As per the Punjab Local Government Act of 2013, the Mayor of Lahore is the elected head of the Metropolitan Corporation of Lahore.

2013: Punjab Local Government Act

Under the Punjab Local Government Act of 2013, Lahore became a metropolitan area under the authority of the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, which oversees zoning, urban design, environmental protection, and municipal services.

2014: Renovation of Walled City

In 2014, the Walled City of Lahore was renovated, increasing its popularity as a tourist destination due to the presence of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

2016: Mubashir Javed Elected Mayor

In 2016, Mubashir Javed of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) was elected mayor of Lahore, responsible for administering government services and overseeing Lahore City District departments.

May 2017: CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Rolls Out First Train

In May 2017, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive rolled out the first of 27 trains for the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train, featuring heat-resistant bogies, voltage management, and energy-saving air-conditioning.

2017: Largest Tribal Group

At the time of the 2017 Pakistani census, the largest tribal group in Lahore were Arain Punjabis, constituting 40%.

2017: Religious Demographics in 2017

In 2017, 94.7% of Lahore's population were Muslims

2017: Pashtun Population Estimates

In 2017, Pashtun nationalist parties argued that the Pashtun population in Lahore was underestimated, with some estimating their numbers at over 1 million.

2017: 2017 Census Results

The results of the 2017 Census determined the population of Lahore to be 11,126,285.

August 2018: Guangzhou Route Launch

In August 2018, Allama Iqbal International Airport started connecting Lahore to Guangzhou.

2018: Successful Initial Test Trials

In mid-2018, the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train successfully ran initial test trials, paving the way for its eventual commercial operation.

2019: Rickshaw Statistics in Lahore

As of 2019, Lahore had approximately 82,000 auto rickshaws and 65,000 motorcycle rickshaws, with motorcycle rickshaws providing a cheaper, shared ride experience.

October 2020: Commercial Operations Begin

In October 2020, commercial operations of the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train began, marking a significant milestone for the city's public transportation system.

2023: Language Spoken

According to the 2023 Census, the Punjabi language is the most-widely spoken native language in Lahore, with 73.58% counting it as their first language.

2023: Religious Demographics

According to the 2023 Census, the vast majority of Lahore's population are Muslims (95.26%).

2023: Introduction of All-Electric Rickshaws

In 2023, all-electric rickshaws were introduced in Lahore, marking a step towards environmentally friendly public transportation.

August 2024: Highest Rainfall in 24 Hours

On August 1, 2024, Lahore recorded the highest rainfall in a 24-hour period at 337 millimetres (13.3 in).

2024: World Air Quality Report

According to the World Air Quality Report in 2024, Lahore is one of the world's most polluted cities.

2024: Defence Raya Golf Resort fully operational

As of 2024, Defence Raya Golf Resort is fully operational.

2024: Christmas and Easter Celebrations

In 2024, Lahore's churches are elaborately decorated for Christmas and Easter celebrations, and shopping centers and public buildings feature Christmas installations.