Pakistan, the fifth most populous country globally with over 241.5 million people, is located in South Asia. As of 2023, it holds the second-largest Muslim population. The country's capital is Islamabad, while Karachi stands as its largest city and financial hub. Geographically, Pakistan ranks as the 33rd largest country globally and the ninth largest in Asia. It shares borders with India to the east, Afghanistan to the west, Iran to the southwest, and China to the northeast. Its southern flank is bordered by the Arabian Sea, the southwestern by the Gulf of Oman, and the southeastern by Sir Creek. Pakistan also has a maritime border with Oman in the Gulf of Oman.
1906: Formation of the All-India Muslim League
In response to growing Hindu-Muslim tensions in British India, a Muslim intellectual movement led to the establishment of the All-India Muslim League in 1906, advocating for the rights and representation of Indian Muslims.
1919: Conclusion of the Anglo-Afghan Wars
The Anglo-Afghan Wars, a series of conflicts spanning from 1839 to 1919, concluded, shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region that would later become Pakistan.
March 1929: Muhammad Ali Jinnah's Fourteen Points
In response to the Nehru Report, which outlined a vision for a unified India, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, a prominent Muslim leader, issued his "Fourteen Points" in March 1929. These points aimed to safeguard the interests of Muslims in a future Indian state but were ultimately rejected.
December 29, 1930: Allama Iqbal's Address
On December 29, 1930, Allama Iqbal, an influential Muslim philosopher and poet, delivered a significant address advocating for the two-nation theory. He proposed the creation of a separate Muslim state within India.
January 1933: The Name "Pakistan" is Coined
Choudhry Rahmat Ali, a Pakistan Movement activist, first publicly used the name "Pakistan" (initially as "Pakstan") in January 1933 in his pamphlet "Now or Never." He proposed "Pakistan" as an acronym representing the Muslim-majority regions of British India: Punjab, Afghania, Kashmir, Sindh, and Baluchistan.
1937: Neglect of the Muslim League
From 1937 to 1939, the perception that Congress-led provincial governments were neglecting the Muslim League's concerns grew among Muslim leaders.
1939: Growing Support for the Two-Nation Theory
By 1939, the perceived neglect of Muslim interests by Congress-led governments led to increasing support for the two-nation theory among Muslim leaders, further fueling the movement for a separate Muslim state.
1940: Adoption of the Lahore Resolution
In 1940, the Muslim League, under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, formally adopted the Lahore Resolution, also known as the Pakistan Resolution. This pivotal resolution called for the creation of independent Muslim-majority states in the northwest and east of British India.
1942: World War II and the Quit India Movement
During World War II in 1942, while India faced the threat of Japanese forces, the Indian National Congress launched the Quit India Movement demanding immediate independence. In contrast, the Muslim League supported Britain's war effort, which was seen as a strategic move to gain leverage for the creation of Pakistan.
1946: Election Victories for the All-India Muslim League
The All-India Muslim League achieved significant victories in the 1946 elections, securing a strong mandate that contributed to the momentum for Pakistan's independence.
1946: Muslim League's Electoral Success
The Muslim League's overwhelming victory in the 1946 elections, securing the majority of Muslim seats, solidified their claim as the representatives of Indian Muslims and made the partition of India increasingly likely.
June 1947: Partition Plan Announced
On the evening of June 3, 1947, Lord Mountbatten, the Viceroy of India, publicly announced the plan to partition British India into two independent dominions: Pakistan and India.
August 1947: The Establishment of Pakistan
On August 14, 1947, coinciding with the 27th of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, Pakistan was officially established as a new nation. The country was formed by uniting the Muslim-majority areas in the eastern and northwestern regions of British India, including provinces such as Balochistan, East Bengal, the North-West Frontier Province, West Punjab, and Sindh.
August 1947: Partition of India and the Kashmir Dispute
Following the end of the British Raj and the subsequent Partition of India in August 1947, the autonomous princely state of Jammu and Kashmir became the subject of a major territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, resulting in several conflicts over the region.
1947: Establishment of the Pakistan Armed Forces
The Pakistan Armed Forces were established in 1947 following Pakistan's independence.
1947: Partition of India and Violence
During the partition of India in 1947, widespread violence and mass displacement occurred in Punjab Province. Between 200,000 and 2 million people were killed in religious riots, and millions were displaced. It was the largest mass migration in human history.
1947: Establishment of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)
The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan's primary intelligence agency, was established in 1947, the year Pakistan gained independence.
1947: Pakistan's Independence and Jinnah's Leadership
Pakistan gained independence in 1947, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the President of the Muslim League, assumed the roles of Governor-General and President-Speaker of the Parliament.
1947: Pakistan Gains Independence
On August 1947, Pakistan gained independence from the British Raj after the Partition of India. This event led to the creation of a homeland for the Muslims of British India but was also marked by a massive migration and loss of life.
1947: End of the British Raj
In 1947, the territories that constitute modern-day Pakistan were part of the British Indian Empire, under the rule of the British Raj, and remained so until the country's independence later that year.
1947: Post-Partition Migration of Indian Muslims
Following the partition of India in 1947, a wave of Indian Muslims continued to migrate to Pakistan, primarily settling in Karachi and Sindh province.
1947: Pakistan Becomes Part of the British Indian Empire
By 1947, all the territories that make up present-day Pakistan were incorporated into the British Indian Empire and remained so until the country's independence.
June 1948: British Announcement to End Rule
In June 1948, the British government formally announced its intention to end its rule in India, setting the stage for the creation of Pakistan and India as independent nations.
September 1948: Jinnah's Death and Liaquat Ali Khan's Appointment
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan's founder and first Governor-General, passed away in September 1948. Liaquat Ali Khan, the secretary-general of the Muslim League, was appointed as the nation's first Prime Minister.
1948: Indo-Pakistani War
Following the partition, a dispute over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir ignited the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948.
March 1949: Objectives Resolution Adopted
On March 1949, Pakistan adopted the Objectives Resolution, outlining its goal to become an Islamic state.
March 1949: Passage of the Objectives Resolution
The Objectives Resolution, passed in March 1949, declared the sovereignty of God and the authority delegated to the state of Pakistan through its people. It served as a preamble to subsequent constitutions in 1956, 1962, and 1973.
1949: Ceasefire in Kashmir and the Line of Control
In 1949, the United Nations intervened in the Kashmir conflict, leading to a ceasefire and the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC) as a de facto border between Indian-controlled territory and Pakistan-controlled territory.
1949: Advocacy for an Islamic Constitution
Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani and Maulana Mawdudi played pivotal roles in advocating for an Islamic constitution in Pakistan in 1949. Mawdudi, in particular, emphasized the supremacy of God and Shariah law in the nation's governance.
1951: Pakistan's Population at 33.7 Million
In 1951, Pakistan's population stood at 33.7 million, marking the beginning of a period of substantial growth.
1956: Pakistan Adopts its Constitution
Initially a Dominion of the British Commonwealth, Pakistan formally drafted and adopted its first constitution in 1956, marking a significant step in establishing its own governance structure.
1956: First Constitution Adopted
Pakistan adopted its first constitution in 1956.
1956: Transition to a Republic
Pakistan remained a monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations from 1947 to 1956, when it became a republic.
1956: Inclusion of Objectives Resolution in the Constitution
The Objectives Resolution, passed in 1949, was incorporated as a preamble into Pakistan's constitution of 1956.
1958: Constitution Suspended by Ayub Khan
Ayub Khan suspended Pakistan's constitution in 1958.
1961: Afghan Incursion at the Durand Line
In 1961, Pakistan's military and intelligence community successfully repelled an incursion from Afghanistan near the Durand Line border.
1962: Second Constitution Introduced
A second constitution replaced the suspended one in 1962.
1962: Presidential System and Growth
Pakistan adopted a presidential system in 1962, leading to a period of substantial economic growth.
1962: Objectives Resolution in Subsequent Constitutions
The 1962 constitution of Pakistan retained the Objectives Resolution as a preamble, reflecting the continued significance of its principles.
1965: Bollywood Film Ban
Bollywood films were banned from public cinemas in Pakistan from 1965 to 2008.
1965: Second War with India and Economic Downturn
Pakistan's second war with India in 1965 had adverse economic consequences, contributing to a decline in growth.
1965: Second Kashmir War
The second war between Pakistan and India since 1947 was sparked in 1965 due to territorial disputes.
1967: Public Discontent
Widespread public discontent emerged in 1967, fueled by the economic downturn that followed the 1965 war with India.
August 1968: World Constituent Assembly
Pakistan participated in the World Constituent Assembly in Interlaken, Switzerland, in August 1968, with Ahmed Ebrahim Haroon Jaffer representing the nation.
1969: Yahya Khan's Rule and Cyclone Devastation
General Yahya Khan assumed control in 1969. During his rule, East Pakistan experienced a devastating cyclone that resulted in a tragic loss of life.
1970: General Elections Held
General elections were held in Pakistan in 1970.
1970: First Democratic Elections and Resistance to Power Transfer
Pakistan held its first democratic elections in 1970. However, the military, led by Yahya Khan, resisted transferring power to the victorious Awami League, setting the stage for unrest and conflict.
1971: Third Kashmir War
In 1971, the third war between Pakistan and India resulted in Pakistan's unconditional surrender of East Pakistan.
1971: End of Military Coup Era
The period from 1958 to 1971 was marked by military coups and martial law.
1971: Pakistan's First Nuclear Power Plant
Pakistan's first commercial nuclear power plant, KANUPP-I, was supplied by Canada in 1971.
1971: Rise of Marxist Thought
After 1971, Marxist thought gained prominence in Pakistani philosophy through figures like Jalaludin Abdur Rahim.
1971: Secession of East Pakistan
In 1971, following a nine-month-long civil war, East Pakistan seceded from Pakistan and became the independent nation of Bangladesh.
1971: Bangladesh Liberation War and Pakistan's Surrender
In 1971, East Pakistan's struggle for independence escalated into a war, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. Pakistan's military intervention and the ensuing conflict resulted in significant casualties and human rights violations. The war concluded with Pakistan's surrender, marking a pivotal moment in the region's history.
1971: Pakistan Initiates Atomic Weapons Development
Following the 1971 war with India, Pakistan quickly began developing atomic weapons as a deterrent against foreign intervention.
1972: Bhutto's Presidency and Nuclear Program
After Pakistan's surrender in the war, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto became president. Under his leadership, Pakistan initiated its nuclear program in 1972 and inaugurated its first nuclear power plant in the same year.
1972: Simla Agreement
In 1972, the Simla Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan, with India asserting that Kashmir is an "integral part" of India and referencing the agreement and the existence of regional elections as evidence.
1973: Islamic Republic Declared
The 1973 Constitution declared Pakistan as an Islamic Republic, making Islam the state religion and mandating laws to be consistent with Islamic teachings.
1973: Continued Inclusion of the Objectives Resolution
Pakistan maintained the Objectives Resolution as a preamble in its 1973 constitution, underscoring its enduring relevance in shaping the nation's governance and identity.
1973: Comprehensive Constitution Established
A comprehensive constitution was established in 1973.
1974: Ahmadis Declared Non-Muslim
In 1974, Ahmadis, a minority group in Pakistan, were officially declared non-Muslims and banned from calling themselves Muslims.
1974: India's Nuclear Test and Pakistan's Response
India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, which provided further impetus for Pakistan to accelerate its own nuclear program, driven by security concerns and regional dynamics.
1975: Karachi Tramway Service Cessation
Karachi's tramway service ceased operations in 1975. There are plans to resurrect the service.
1976: Establishment of Kahuta Research Laboratories
Abdul Qadeer Khan established the Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL) in 1976 to spearhead Pakistan's atomic bomb project.
1977: Military Coup and Zia-ul-Haq's Rise
A military coup in 1977 ended democratic rule, bringing General Zia-ul-Haq to power.
1977: Constitution Suspended by Zia-ul-Haq
Zia-ul-Haq suspended the 1973 constitution in 1977.
1978: Zia-ul-Haq Becomes President
General Zia-ul-Haq assumed the presidency in 1978 following the military coup.
1981: Pakistan's Urban Population at 23.8 Million
In 1981, Pakistan's urban population was recorded at 23.8 million, reflecting the early stages of urbanization.
1982: Inaugural Provisional World Parliament
The first Provisional World Parliament (PWP) was held in Brighton, United Kingdom in 1982. Pakistani jurist and diplomat Sir Chaudhry Mohammad Zafarullah Khan presided over the session at the Royal Pavilion.
1985: Constitution Reinstated
The suspended constitution of 1973 was reinstated in 1985.
1988: End of Second Military Coup Era
The period from 1977 to 1988 witnessed military coups and military rule.
1988: Economic Growth and Support for Afghan Mujahideen
Pakistan experienced rapid economic growth under Zia-ul-Haq's rule from 1977 to 1988. The country also played a significant role in supporting Afghan mujahideen fighting against the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan.
1988: Zia's Death and Benazir Bhutto's Election
President Zia-ul-Haq's death in a plane crash in 1988 paved the way for Benazir Bhutto's election as the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan.
1989: Kashmiri Muslim Refugees Flee to Pakistan
Beginning in 1989, thousands of Kashmiri Muslim refugees sought refuge in Pakistan, alleging instances of rape and forced displacement perpetrated by Indian soldiers.
1990: Pakistan's Urbanization Surge
Between 1990 and 2008, Pakistan experienced a surge in urbanization, with city dwellers constituting 36% of the population, establishing it as the most urbanized nation in South Asia.
1990: Pakistan Launches its First Satellite
In 1990, Pakistan achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching its first satellite into space, becoming the first Muslim nation and the second in South Asia to do so.
1990: Railway Network Extent
In 1990-1991, Pakistan's railway network spanned 8,775 kilometers (5,453 miles).
1992: Establishment of Jinnah Antarctic Research Station
Pakistan established its Jinnah Antarctic Research Station in 1992, solidifying its position as the sole Muslim nation actively engaged in Antarctic research.
1993: Pakistani Participation in UN Peacekeeping in Somalia
Pakistan played a major role in the UN peacekeeping mission in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993, participating in the rescue mission.
1993: Deregulation of the Civil Aviation Industry
The civil aviation industry in Pakistan was deregulated in 1993 and operates with a mix of public and private entities.
1995: Computer Literacy Initiatives
Since 1995, government initiatives, including computer literacy programs, have aimed to eradicate illiteracy in Pakistan.
1997: PML(N)'s Supermajority and Nuclear Tests
The Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML(N)) secured a supermajority in the 1997 elections. Under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in response to India's nuclear tests.
May 1998: Pakistan's Nuclear Tests
In May 1998, Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in response to India's nuclear tests, escalating tensions between the two countries and raising concerns about regional stability.
1998: Bengali and Rohingya Migration to Pakistan
The migration of Bengalis and Rohingya to Pakistan, which commenced in the 1980s, persisted until 1998, resulting in the establishment of significant Bengali settlements, particularly in Karachi.
1998: Pakistan's Average Annual Population Growth Rate
Between 1998 and 2017, Pakistan maintained a high average annual population growth rate of +2.40%.
1998: Pakistan Conducts Underground Nuclear Tests
Driven by ongoing tensions with India, Pakistan conducted underground nuclear tests in 1998, becoming the seventh country globally to possess nuclear weapons.
1998: Religious Demographics of Pakistan
According to the 1998 census, a small percentage of Pakistan's population professed no faith.
1999: Improvement in Pakistan-Russia Relations
Relations between Pakistan and Russia improved after 1999.
1999: Beginning of Third Military Coup Era
The years 1999 to 2008 saw another period of military coups and de facto military rule.
2001: Retirement of Abdul Qadeer Khan
Abdul Qadeer Khan retired in 2001 from his position as senior scientist and Director-General of the Kahuta Research Laboratories.
2001: Musharraf as President
Pervez Musharraf assumed the presidency of Pakistan in 2001, continuing his role in shaping the country's domestic and foreign policies.
2002: Musharraf as Chief Executive
Pervez Musharraf governed Pakistan as chief executive from 1999 to 2002, implementing economic and social reforms while also involving Pakistan in the US-led war on terrorism.
2004: Beginning of the Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In 2004, the Pakistani military became engaged in an insurgency in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province against Tehrik-i-Taliban factions.
2004: Major Non-NATO Ally Status Granted
The United States granted Pakistan major non-NATO ally status in 2004.
2005: Atheism in Pakistan
In 2005, 1% of Pakistan's population identified as atheist.
2005: Sino-Pakistani Energy Plan
In 2005, China and Pakistan put forward a joint energy security plan aiming to achieve a generation capacity exceeding 160,000 MWe by 2030.
2005: International Year of Physics
In 2005, Pakistan acknowledged the International Year of Physics by hosting an international seminar on "Physics in Developing Countries".
2005: Pakistan's Wheat Production
Pakistan produced more wheat in 2005 than all of Africa and almost as much as South America.
2005: Promoting Tourism After Earthquake
Following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, The Guardian published "The top five tourist sites in Pakistan" to encourage tourism, featuring destinations such as Taxila, Lahore, the Karakoram Highway, Karimabad, and Lake Saiful Muluk.
2006: Pakistan's Scientific Productivity Surge Begins
Pakistan's scientific productivity began to experience a significant increase in 2006, marking the start of a period of growth in published articles.
November 2007: Completion of First Full Parliamentary Term
The National Assembly of Pakistan successfully completed its first full five-year term in November 2007, marking a significant milestone in the country's political development.
2007: Pakistan's Declining Global Export Share
According to the World Trade Organization, Pakistan's global export share was just 0.13% in 2007 and has continued to decline.
2007: Economic Slowdown in Pakistan
Pakistan's economy, which had experienced rapid growth in the early to mid-2000s, began to cool down after 2007.
2007: Mandatory English Education
Starting in 2007, initiatives were put in place to make English medium education mandatory nationwide in Pakistan.
2007: Port Infrastructure Quality Rating
The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report showed an improvement in Pakistan's port infrastructure quality ratings, rising from 3.7 to 4.1 between 2007 and 2016.
June 2008: Expansion of Chashma Nuclear Complex
In June 2008, the nuclear complex at Chashma in Punjab Province was expanded with the addition of the Chashma-III and Chashma–IV reactors, each with a capacity of 325–340 MWe, costing ₨129 billion.
August 2008: Musharraf's Resignation and Zardari's Presidency
Facing impeachment threats, President Pervez Musharraf resigned in August 2008. Asif Ali Zardari, a prominent figure in the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), succeeded him as president.
October 2008: Sino-Pakistani Nuclear Agreement
In October 2008, another agreement for Chinese assistance was signed, considered a response to the US–India agreement, with the project costing US$1.7 billion, including a foreign loan of US$1.07 billion.
2008: End of Third Military Coup Era
The period of military coups from 1999 ended in 2008.
2008: Over 50% of Pakistanis Reside in Towns
By 2008, over 50% of Pakistan's population resided in towns with populations exceeding 5,000 inhabitants.
2008: Lifting of Bollywood Film Ban
The ban on Bollywood films in Pakistan was lifted in 2008 after being in place since 1965.
2008: End of Musharraf's Rule
Pervez Musharraf's presidency came to an end in 2008 following political turmoil and pressure from opposition forces.
2008: Peak Inflation in Pakistan
Inflation in Pakistan reached a peak of 25.0% in 2008, prompting IMF intervention to prevent the country's bankruptcy.
2008: Minority Religions in Pakistan
In 2008, the Bahá'í Faith had approximately 30,000 followers in Pakistan. Sikhism, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism each had around 20,000 adherents, along with a small Jain community.
November 2009: Pakistan's Inaugural Fashion Week
Pakistan's first-ever fashion week took place in November 2009.
2009: Gilgit-Baltistan Granted Semi-Provincial Status
In 2009, the Gilgit–Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order granted Gilgit-Baltistan semi-provincial status and self-government.
2010: International Treaty Blocked
Pakistan blocked an international treaty aimed at limiting fissile material in 2010, arguing it unfairly targeted the country.
2010: Inflation Rate in Pakistan
The inflation rate in Pakistan for the 2010–11 fiscal year was 14.1%.
2010: Constitutional Amendments
Constitutional amendments in 2010 reduced presidential powers and strengthened the prime minister's role.
2010: Forest Cover Assessment
In 2010, approximately 2.2% or 1,687,000 hectares of Pakistan's land was covered in forests.
2010: Global Hindu Population
In 2010, Pakistan had the fifth-largest Hindu population globally.
2010: Pakistan's Ranking in Published Scientific Papers
In 2010, Pakistan held the 43rd position globally for the number of scientific papers published.
2011: Reduction in Rail Track Length
By 2011, Pakistan's total rail track length decreased to 7,791 kilometers (4,841 miles) from its extent in 1990-1991.
June 2012: Gilani's Disqualification
Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani was disqualified from Parliament in June 2012 due to clashes with the judiciary, leading to political instability.
2012: Non-Denominational Muslims in Pakistan
As of 2012, 12% of Pakistani Muslims identified as non-denominational Muslims.
2012: Rise of Atheism
By 2012, the percentage of atheists in Pakistan had risen to 2.0% according to Gallup.
2012: Malala Yousafzai Attack
In 2012, activist Malala Yousafzai was attacked by the Taliban for her advocacy for education. She later became the youngest Nobel laureate.
February 2013: Lahore Metrobus Launch
The Lahore Metrobus, the first of its kind in Pakistan, began operations in February 2013.
May 2013: First Democratic Transition
May 2013 marked the first successful democratic transition in Pakistan's history.
2013: Economic Growth in Pakistan Under IMF Program
Pakistan's economy has seen growth under an IMF program starting in 2013.
2013: Mandated Chinese Language Courses
In 2013, reforms mandated Chinese language courses in Sindh, reflecting China's growing influence in Pakistan.
2013: Establishment of Second Nuclear Complex
Pakistan established its second nuclear complex in Karachi in 2013, with plans for more reactors similar to those at Chashma.
2013: Nawaz Sharif's Third Term
Nawaz Sharif and his party, the PML-N, emerged victorious in the 2013 general election. Sharif became Prime Minister for the third time.
2013: Economic Performance
In 2013, Pakistan's large-scale manufacturing sector represented 12.2% of the GDP. The country exported 7,708,557 metric tons of cement, with an installed capacity of 44,768,250 metric tons. The textile industry contributed 9.5% to GDP and employed about 15 million people. Pakistan ranked fourth globally in cotton production and was a major exporter of textile products in Asia, with China being a significant importer of Pakistani textiles.
2013: Airports and Airfields
As of 2013, Pakistan had approximately 151 airports and airfields, including both military and civilian facilities.
2014: Services Sector Dominance
In 2014-15, the services sector was the primary driver of economic growth, contributing 58.8% to GDP. It outpaced agriculture and industry in growth, accounting for 54% of GDP and over one-third of total employment.
June 2015: Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus Phase One
The first phase of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus, covering 48.1 km, commenced operations in June 2015.
2015: Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report
The World Economic Forum ranked Pakistan 125th out of 141 countries in its Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report in 2015.
2015: World Bank Ranking of Pakistan's Economy
The World Bank published a report in 2015 that ranked Pakistan's economy as the 24th largest in the world by purchasing power and the 41st largest in absolute terms.
2015: Contribution of Pakistan's Diaspora
Pakistan's 7-million-strong diaspora contributed US$19.9 billion to the Pakistani economy in the 2015–16 fiscal year.
2015: Pakistan's Trade Balance
Pakistan had a negative trade balance of US$23.96 billion in the 2015–16 fiscal year.
2015: Agreements and MOUs Signed
In 2015, China and Pakistan signed 51 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation.
2015: Education Targets
By 2015, Pakistan aimed to achieve 100% enrollment among primary school-age children and an approximately 86% literacy rate.
2015: Agriculture's Contribution to Pakistan's GDP
Despite its significance to Pakistan's economy, agriculture only contributed 20.9% of the country's GDP in 2015 as its economy shifted from agriculture to services.
2015: Pakistan's Scientific Output Surpasses BRIC Nations
By 2015, Pakistan witnessed a remarkable fourfold increase in its scientific productivity, with the number of cited articles surpassing the combined total of BRIC countries.
February 2016: Karachi Metrobus Project Initiation
The Government of Pakistan initiated a larger metrobus project for Karachi in February 2016, with the Green Line Metrobus being a part of it.
October 2016: Renewable Energy Production
Pakistan generated 1,135 megawatts of renewable energy in October 2016.
2016: Improvement in Port Infrastructure
By 2016, Pakistan's port infrastructure quality saw improvement, as reflected in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report.
2016: Infrastructure Development Recognition
During the 2016 annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank, Pakistan was acknowledged as the leading nation for infrastructure development in South Asia.
2016: Remittances to Pakistan
In 2016, Saudi Arabia was the largest source of remittances to Pakistan, contributing $5.9 billion. This contributed to the overall remittances sent home by Overseas Pakistanis increasing by over 100% from US$8.9 billion in 2009–10 to US$19.9 billion in 2015–16.
2016: Ruchir Sharma's Prediction for Pakistan's Economy
Ruchir Sharma, in his 2016 book, anticipated that Pakistan's economy would transform, leading to the country becoming a middle-income country by 2020.
January 2017: Multan Metrobus Inauguration
The Multan Metrobus, inaugurated in January 2017, started providing rapid transit services in Multan.
2017: Pakistan's Ethnolinguistic Groups
The 2017 national census provided insights into Pakistan's diverse ethnolinguistic composition, with the largest groups being Punjabis (38.8%), Pashtuns (18.2%), Sindhis (14.6%), Saraikis (12.19%), Muhajirs (7.08%), and Balochs (3.02%).
2017: Pakistan's Population Reaches 207.7 Million
By 2017, Pakistan's population had grown significantly to 207.7 million, representing a more than sixfold increase since 1951.
2017: Pakistan's Youthful Population Profile
The 2017 census highlighted the youthful nature of Pakistan's population, with 40.3% under the age of 15 and only 3.7% aged 65 or older.
2017: Pakistan's Urban Population Triples to 75.7 Million
By 2017, Pakistan experienced a substantial increase in its urban population, which tripled to 75.7 million compared to 1981, with the urbanization rate rising from 28.2% to 36.4%.
2017: Hindu Population in Pakistan
According to the 2017 census, Hindus constituted 2.14% of Pakistan's population, numbering 4,444,437.
2018: Literacy Rate in Pakistan
As of 2018, Pakistan's literacy rate was 62.3%, with significant regional and gender disparities.
2018: Imran Khan Becomes Prime Minister
Imran Khan's political party, PTI, won the general election in 2018, and he assumed office as Pakistan's 22nd Prime Minister.
2018: Tourism in Pakistan
Pakistan attracted approximately 6.6 million foreign tourists in 2018, a decline from its peak in the 1970s during the Hippie Trail era.
2018: Pakistan's Ranking on the Press Freedom Index
Reporters Without Borders ranked Pakistan 139 out of 180 countries in its Press Freedom Index in 2018.
2019: Shia Population in Pakistan
In 2019, the Shia population in Pakistan was estimated at 42 million.
2019: Reinstated Bollywood Film Ban
In 2019, the screening of Bollywood movies in Pakistan faced an indefinite ban.
2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index
In 2019, Pakistan scored 7.42 out of 10 on the Forest Landscape Integrity Index, ranking 41st globally, reflecting the country's challenges with deforestation, hunting, and pollution.
2019: Arms Imports to Pakistan
Between 2019 and 2023, Pakistan was the fifth-largest recipient and importer of arms, according to SIPRI.
May 2020: Growth of the IT Sector
As of May 2020, Pakistan had approximately 82 million internet users, ranking ninth globally. The IT industry was projected to surpass $10 billion by 2020. With 12,000 employees, Pakistan was among the top five freelancing nations.
May 2020: Pakistan's Internet User Base Reaches 82 Million
By May 2020, the number of internet users in Pakistan reached 82 million, placing the country ninth globally in terms of internet usage.
August 2020: Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit Launch
August 2020 marked the inauguration of Peshawar's Bus Rapid Transit system, the fourth BRT system in Pakistan.
November 2020: Partial Revival of Karachi Circular Railway
Karachi Circular Railway was partially revived in November 2020, offering public transit in the Karachi metropolitan area.
2020: Year of Anticipated Economic Transformation for Pakistan
Ruchir Sharma predicted in his 2016 book that Pakistan would become a middle-income country by 2020.
May 2021: Nuclear Power in Pakistan
As of May 2021, Pakistan operated six licensed commercial nuclear power plants, overseen by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and regulated by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, contributing 5.8% to the country's electricity supply.
December 2021: Karachi's Green Line Metrobus Operational
Karachi's Green Line Metrobus commenced operations in December 2021.
2021: Press Freedom Index Ranking
In 2021, a report by Reporters Without Borders ranked Pakistan 157th out of 180 nations on the Press Freedom Index, citing pressures faced by Pakistani reporters, particularly when reporting against the army or government.
April 2022: Shehbaz Sharif Elected Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif was elected as prime minister of Pakistan in April 2022, after Imran Khan lost a no-confidence vote.
2022: Pakistan's Fertility Rate at 3.5
Pakistan's fertility rate was estimated to be 3.5 in 2022, indicating a significant contributor to its young population.
2022: Pakistan's Estimated Nominal GDP
In 2022, Pakistan's estimated nominal GDP was US$376.493 billion, and its GDP by PPP was US$1.512 trillion.
October 2023: Pakistan Orders Expulsion of Afghans
In October 2023, Pakistan issued an order for the expulsion of Afghans from the country.
2023: Installed Electricity Generation Capacity
In 2023, Pakistan's total installed electricity generation capacity reached ~45,885 MWt.
2023: Pakistan's Climb in Global Innovation Index
Pakistan's ranking in the Global Innovation Index rose from 107th to 88th by 2023.
2023: Pakistan's Population Reaches 241,492,197
The final results of the 2023 Census revealed Pakistan's population to be 241,492,197, securing its position as the world's fifth most populous country.
2023: End of Arms Import Tracking Period
The period during which SIPRI tracked arms imports to Pakistan, starting in 2019, ended in 2023.
2024: Pakistan Armed Forces Size
As of 2024, the Pakistan Armed Forces, established in 1947, have an estimated 660,000 active personnel and 291,000 paramilitary personnel.
2024: Shehbaz Sharif's Second Term
Shehbaz Sharif secured a second term as prime minister in 2024 after the PTI-backed independents emerged as the largest bloc. His election resulted from a coalition between PML(N) and PPPP.
2025: Renewable Energy Target
Pakistan aims to generate 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2025.
2030: Nuclear Energy Capacity Target
Pakistan's Nuclear Energy Vision 2050 set a target capacity of 40,000 MWe, with an anticipated 8,900 MWe by 2030.
2050: Goldman Sachs Prediction for Pakistan's Economy
Goldman Sachs predicted in an unspecified year that Pakistan's economy could grow 15 times its size by 2050.
2050: Nuclear Energy Vision 2050
Pakistan's Nuclear Energy Vision 2050 outlined plans for the country to achieve a nuclear energy capacity of 40,000 MWe by 2050.
2050: Projected Growth of Pakistan's Middle Class
Pakistan, which had an estimated 40 million middle class citizens in 2022, is projected to reach 100 million middle class citizens by 2050.