History of Pakistan in Timeline

Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is located in South Asia and is the fifth-most populous country globally, with over 241.5 million residents as of 2023. It has the second-largest Muslim population. Islamabad serves as the capital, while Karachi is its largest city and financial hub. Pakistan ranks as the 33rd-largest country by area. It is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the south, and shares land borders with India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China. Additionally, it shares a maritime border with Oman and is separated from Tajikistan by Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor.

1906: Establishment of the All-India Muslim League

In 1906, The All-India Muslim League was established, led by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, to advocate for the two-nation theory and counter the Hindu renaissance.

1919: Anglo-Afghan Wars

The Anglo-Afghan Wars, which lasted until 1919, were a key conflict that led to modern Pakistan becoming part of the British Indian Empire.

March 1929: Jinnah's Fourteen Points

In March 1929, Muhammad Ali Jinnah issued his fourteen points to safeguard the interests of the Muslim minority in a united India.

December 1930: Iqbal Advocates Amalgamation

On December 29, 1930, Allama Iqbal advocated the amalgamation of Muslim-majority states in North-West India.

January 1933: Coining of the name Pakistan

In January 1933, Choudhry Rahmat Ali coined the name 'Pakistan' in a pamphlet called 'Now or Never'.

1937: Congress neglects Muslim League

From 1937 to 1939, The perception that Congress-led British provincial governments neglected the Muslim League motivated Jinnah and other Muslim League leaders to embrace the two-nation theory.

1939: Congress neglects Muslim League

From 1937 to 1939, The perception that Congress-led British provincial governments neglected the Muslim League motivated Jinnah and other Muslim League leaders to embrace the two-nation theory.

1940: Lahore Resolution

In 1940, the Lahore Resolution, also known as the Pakistan Resolution, was presented by Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque.

1942: World War II Strains Britain

In 1942, Britain faced considerable strain during World War II and pledged voluntary independence for India after the war, with a clause for an independent Muslim nation.

1946: Election Victories by the All-India Muslim League

In 1946, the All-India Muslim League secured key election victories, spurring the Pakistan Movement and leading to the independence of Pakistan.

1946: Muslim League Secures Seats

In 1946, the Muslim League secured 90 percent of the Muslim seats, leading to the British considering the partition of India.

June 1947: Formal Declaration to Partition British India

On June 3, 1947, the formal declaration to partition British India into Pakistan and India was issued by Lord Mountbatten. All India Radio transmitted the public announcement.

August 1947: Partition of India sparks Kashmir dispute

In August 1947, the Partition of India led to a major territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over the Himalayan region of Kashmir, formerly the autonomous princely state of Jammu and Kashmir during the British Raj.

August 1947: Establishment of Pakistan

On 14 August 1947, the modern state of Pakistan was established, merging the Muslim-majority regions of British India.

1947: Jinnah becomes Governor-General

After independence in 1947, Jinnah became Pakistan's first Governor-General.

1947: Migration Post-Partition

Even after the 1947 partition, Muslims from India continued migrating to Pakistan, particularly to Karachi and Sindh province.

1947: British Raj

From 1858 to 1947, the regions that comprise modern Pakistan were under the British Raj.

1947: Independence After Partition

In 1947, Pakistan gained independence following the partition of British India, resulting in mass migration and loss of life.

1947: Partition Riots and Mass Migration

In 1947, riots during the partition of Punjab Province resulted in mass killings and displacement, with millions migrating between India and Pakistan.

1947: Establishment of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)

In 1947, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan's primary intelligence agency, was established within a year of Pakistan's independence.

1947: Establishment of Pakistan Armed Forces

In 1947, the armed forces of Pakistan were established and wielded significant influence over national politics.

1947: First War with India

Since 1947, Pakistan has been involved in four conventional wars with India, the first conflict took place in Kashmir.

June 1948: Intention to end British rule

As the Cabinet Mission failed, the British announced their intention to end rule by June 1948.

September 1948: Death of Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the first Governor-General of Pakistan, died of tuberculosis on 11 September 1948.

1948: Indo-Pakistani War

A dispute over Jammu and Kashmir sparked the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948.

March 1949: Objectives Resolution

In March 1949, the Objectives Resolution marked the initial step towards affirming God as the sole sovereign in Pakistan.

March 1949: Passage of the Objectives Resolution

In March 1949, the Objectives Resolution was passed, affirming that sovereignty belongs to God Almighty.

1949: Uyghur Muslims in Gilgit-Baltistan

According to BBC, in 1949, thousands of Uyghur Muslims left Xinjiang, China, and the trading town of Kashgar to live in Gilgit-Baltistan.

1949: Role of Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani and Maulana Mawdudi

In 1949, Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani and Maulana Mawdudi played key roles in advocating for an Islamic constitution in Pakistan.

1949: UN-mediated ceasefire in Kashmir

In 1949, the United Nations was involved in resolving the Kashmir conflict, leading to a ceasefire and the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC) as a de facto border between India and Pakistan.

1951: Population of Pakistan

In 1951, Pakistan's population was recorded as 33.7 million.

1956: Pakistan as Monarchy

From 1947 to 1956, Pakistan was a monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations.

1956: Adoption of Republican Constitution

In 1956, Pakistan adopted a republican constitution and became an Islamic republic.

1956: Inclusion as Preamble

The Objectives Resolution was later included as a preamble to the constitutions of 1956, 1962, and 1973.

1958: Suspension of Constitution by Ayub Khan

In 1958, Ayub Khan suspended Pakistan's first constitution.

1962: Adoption of Presidential System

In 1962, Pakistan adopted a presidential system, experiencing significant growth.

1962: Second Constitution

In 1962, Pakistan's second constitution replaced the first.

1962: Strengthening Ties with China

Since China's 1962 conflict with India, Pakistan has forged a strong relationship with China, resulting in a special bond.

1962: Inclusion as Preamble

The Objectives Resolution was later included as a preamble to the constitutions of 1956, 1962, and 1973.

1965: Ban on Bollywood Films

Bollywood films were banned from public cinemas from 1965 to 2008 in Pakistan.

1965: Territorial disputes led to war

In 1965, territorial disputes led to another war between India and Pakistan.

1965: Second War with India

In 1965, the second war with India led to an economic downturn and public discontent in Pakistan.

1967: Support for Arab States

During the 1967 Arab-Israel war, Pakistan supported the Arab states and played a key role in securing Iran's backing for the Arab cause.

1967: Public Discontent

In 1967, widespread public discontent arose in Pakistan.

1969: Yahya Khan takes control

In 1969, President Yahya Khan consolidated control but faced a devastating cyclone in East Pakistan.

1970: General Elections

After the 1970 general elections, the Parliament worked to craft the 1973 Constitution.

1970: First Democratic Elections

In 1970, Pakistan conducted its first democratic elections since independence, but the military refused to transfer power, leading to conflict.

1971: Development of Atomic Weapons

Following the 1971 war with India, Pakistan hastily developed atomic weapons to deter foreign intervention and entered the atomic age.

1971: KANUPP-I Supplied by Canada

In 1971, Canada supplied Pakistan's first commercial nuclear power plant, KANUPP-I.

1971: Secession of East Pakistan

In 1971, East Pakistan seceded from West Pakistan after a nine-month-long civil war and became the new country of Bangladesh.

1971: War of Liberation

In 1971, war broke out in East Pakistan, leading to intervention from India and eventually resulting in East Pakistan gaining independence as Bangladesh.

1971: Marxist Thought in Pakistani Philosophy

Post-1971, Marxist thought gained prominence in Pakistani philosophy through figures like Jalaludin Abdur Rahim.

1971: Military Coups

The eras of 1958–1971 witnessed military coups, leading to martial law and military leaders governing de facto as presidents.

1972: India refers to Simla Agreement

In 1972, India stated that Kashmir is an "integral part" of India, referring to the 1972 Simla Agreement and to the fact that regional elections take place regularly.

1972: Nuclear Deterrence Program and Inauguration of First Nuclear Plant

In 1972, Pakistan embarked on an ambitious plan to develop its nuclear deterrence capability to prevent foreign invasion, and the country's first nuclear power plant was inaugurated.

1973: Constitution Declares Islamic Republic

In 1973, the Constitution declared Pakistan an Islamic Republic, mandating laws to comply with Islamic teachings and establishing institutions like the Shariat Court.

1973: Inclusion as Preamble

The Objectives Resolution was later included as a preamble to the constitutions of 1956, 1962, and 1973.

1973: Establishment of Parliamentary System

Under the leadership of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the 1973 constitution established a parliamentary system in Pakistan.

1974: India's Nuclear Test

In 1974, India's first nuclear test provided Pakistan with additional justification to accelerate its own nuclear program.

1974: Ban on Ahmadis Calling Themselves Muslims

Since 1974, Ahmadis in Pakistan have been banned from calling themselves Muslims.

1975: Cessation of Karachi Tramway Service

Karachi's tramway service ceased operations in 1975, with plans underway to resurrect the service.

1976: Establishment of Kahuta Research Laboratories

In 1976, Abdul Qadeer Khan established the Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL), serving as its senior scientist and Director-General.

1977: Suspension of Constitution under Martial Law

In 1977, Zia-ul-Haq suspended the 1973 constitution under martial law.

1977: Military Coup

In 1977, a military coup ended democracy against the leftist PPP, leading to General Zia-ul-Haq's rise to power.

1978: Zia-ul-Haq becomes President

In 1978, General Zia-ul-Haq became the president of Pakistan following a military coup.

1981: Urban Population

Pakistan's urban population was 23.8 million in 1981.

1985: Restoration of Constitution

In 1985, the 1973 constitution was restored, with amendments.

1988: Economic Growth and Support for Mujahideen

From 1977 to 1988, Pakistan experienced rapid economic growth due to corporatisation and economic Islamisation, while also supporting the mujahideen against the USSR in Afghanistan.

1988: Death of President Zia and Election of Benazir Bhutto

In 1988, President Zia died in a plane crash, and Benazir Bhutto was elected as the country's first female Prime Minister.

1988: Military Coups

The eras of 1977–1988 witnessed military coups, leading to martial law and military leaders governing de facto as presidents.

1989: Kashmiri Muslim Refugees Flee to Pakistan

Since 1989, thousands of Kashmiri Muslim refugees fled to Pakistan, alleging rape and forced displacement by Indian soldiers.

1990: Urbanization in Pakistan

By 1990, city dwellers constituted 36% of Pakistan's population.

1990: Launch of First Satellite

In 1990, Pakistan successfully launched its first satellite, becoming the first Muslim nation and second in South Asia to achieve this milestone.

1990: Pakistan's share of global exports

Pakistan's share of global exports averaged 0.14% between 1990 and 2023 and was 0.12% in 2023.

1990: Islamic law allows stoning for homosexuality

Since 1990, under Islamic law in Pakistan, male homosexuality is potentially punishable by stoning.

1990: Decline in Rail Track Length

The decrease in rail transport share in inland traffic in Pakistan led to a reduction in total rail track from 8,775 kilometres (5,453 miles) in 1990–91.

1992: Jinnah Antarctic Research Station Established

Pakistan established its Jinnah Antarctic Research Station in 1992 and has been active in Antarctica research ever since.

1993: Role in Mogadishu rescue mission

In 1993, Pakistan played a major role in UN peacekeeping missions, including the rescue mission in Mogadishu, Somalia.

1993: Deregulation of Civil Aviation Industry

In 1993, the civil aviation industry in Pakistan was deregulated.

1995: Computer Literacy Initiatives

Since 1995, government initiatives, including computer literacy programs, aimed to eradicate illiteracy.

1997: PML (N) Secures Supermajority

In 1997, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) secured a supermajority in elections, leading to Nawaz Sharif authorizing nuclear testing.

May 1998: Pakistan Conducts Nuclear Tests

In May 1998, Nawaz Sharif authorized nuclear testing as a retaliation to India's second nuclear tests.

1998: Average Annual Population Growth Rate

Between 1998 and 2017, the average annual population growth rate in Pakistan stood at +2.40%.

1998: Underground Nuclear Tests

Tensions with India led to Pakistan's 1998 underground nuclear tests, making it the seventh country to possess such weapons.

1998: Migration of Bengalis and Rohingya to Pakistan

The migration of Bengalis and Rohingya to Pakistan, which started in the 1980s, continued until 1998.

1999: Kargil War and Military Coup

In 1999, military tension in the Kargil district led to the Kargil War, and a coup d'état allowed General Pervez Musharraf to take over.

1999: Military Coups

The eras of 1999–2008 witnessed military coups, leading to martial law and military leaders governing de facto as presidents.

2000: Migration of Indo-European Aryans

Around 2000 BCE, semi-nomadic Indo-European Aryans migrated into the Indian subcontinent.

2001: Abdul Qadeer Khan's Retirement

Abdul Qadeer Khan retired from his position as senior scientist and Director-General of the Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL) in 2001.

2001: Musharraf Governs as President

From 2001, Musharraf governed Pakistan as president and was directly involved in the US-led war on terrorism.

2001: Counterinsurgency Operations Begin

Since 2001, the Pakistan military has been engaged in counterinsurgency and internal security operations in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, primarily targeting Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and associated militant groups.

2002: Musharraf Governs as Chief Executive

From 1999 to 2002, Musharraf governed Pakistan as chief executive.

2004: Major Non-NATO Ally Status

Although Pakistan was granted major non-NATO ally status by the U.S. in 2004, it faced accusations of supporting the Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan.

2005: The Guardian highlights tourist sites

Following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, The Guardian published an article highlighting "The top five tourist sites in Pakistan" to encourage tourism, featuring destinations such as Taxila, Lahore, the Karakoram Highway, Karimabad, and Lake Saiful Muluk.

2005: Joint Energy Security Plan Proposed

In 2005, Pakistan and China proposed a joint energy security plan with the goal of achieving a generation capacity exceeding 160,000 MWe by 2030.

2005: International Seminar on Physics

In 2005, Pakistan hosted an international seminar on "Physics in Developing Countries" for the International Year of Physics.

2005: Wheat production surpassed Africa

In 2005, Pakistan's wheat production surpassed Africa's and nearly matched South America's, highlighting its agricultural significance.

2005: Exchange Between Pakistan and Israel

In 2005, an exchange occurred between Pakistan and Israel, with Turkey acting as an intermediary, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations.

2006: Free Trade Agreement with China

In 2006, Pakistan and China signed a Free Trade Agreement, with China making its largest investment in Pakistan's history through CPEC.

2006: Scientific articles in Pakistan

In 2006, Pakistan was publishing approximately 2,000 articles per year.

2006: Pakistan Globalization Index Ranking

Pakistan ranked 56th on the 2006 A.T. Kearney/FP Globalization Index due to increasing globalization.

November 2007: National Assembly Completes Term

On 15 November 2007, the National Assembly historically completed its first full five-year term.

2007: Pakistan's Port Infrastructure Quality Rating

According to the WEF's Global Competitiveness Report, Pakistan's port infrastructure quality ratings started rising in 2007.

2007: English Medium Education Mandatory

Since 2007, English medium education was made mandatory nationwide in Pakistan.

June 2008: Expansion of Chashma Nuclear Complex

In June 2008, the nuclear complex at Chashma in Punjab Province expanded with the installation of Chashma-III and Chashma–IV reactors, each with 325–340 MWe, costing ₨129 billion.

August 2008: Musharraf Resigns, Zardari Succeeds

On 18 August 2008, President Musharraf resigned amidst impeachment threats and was succeeded by Asif Ali Zardari.

October 2008: Agreement for China's Assistance Signed

In October 2008, another agreement for China's assistance was signed, seen as a response to the US–India agreement, with the project's cost then at US$1.7 billion.

2008: Urbanization in Pakistan

By 2008, city dwellers constituted 36% of Pakistan's population.

2008: End of Musharraf's Presidency

In 2008, Musharraf's time as president concluded, marking the end of a period of enlightenment, economic reforms, and involvement in the US-led war on terrorism.

2008: Religious Minorities Population

In 2008, the Bahá'í Faith had 30,000 followers, while Sikhism, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism each had around 20,000 adherents in Pakistan.

2008: End of Bollywood Film Ban

In 2008, the ban on Bollywood films in Pakistani cinemas was lifted, after being in place since 1965.

2008: Military Coups

The eras of 1999–2008 witnessed military coups, leading to martial law and military leaders governing de facto as presidents.

November 2009: Pakistan's Inaugural Fashion Week

Pakistan's inaugural fashion week took place in November 2009.

2009: Increase in Remittances

From 2009 to 2010 remittances were US$8.9 billion.

2009: Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order

In 2009, the Gilgit–Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order granted Gilgit-Baltistan semi-provincial status, providing it with self-government.

2010: Fifth-Largest Hindu Population Globally

In 2010, Pakistan had the fifth-largest Hindu population globally.

2010: Constitutional Amendments

In 2010, constitutional amendments curtailed presidential powers, enhancing the role of the prime minister.

2011: Reduction in Rail Track

By 2011, the total rail track in Pakistan decreased to 7,791 kilometres (4,841 miles).

2011: Acid and Burn Crime Bill

In 2011, the Acid and Burn Crime Bill criminalised acid attacks, making them punishable by lengthy imprisonment and fines.

June 2012: Gilani's Disqualification

In June 2012, clashes with the judicature led to Prime Minister Gilani's disqualification from Parliament.

2012: Non-Denominational Muslims

As of 2012, 12% of Pakistani Muslims self-identified as non-denominational Muslims.

2012: Malala Yousafzai Attack

Following a 2012 attack on activist Malala Yousafzai by the Taliban, she became the youngest Nobel laureate for her education advocacy.

2012: China imported Pakistani textiles

In 2012, China imported US$1.527 billion worth of Pakistani textiles.

2012: Atheism in Pakistan

In 2012, a Gallup survey indicated that 2% of the population of Pakistan identified as atheist.

February 2013: Lahore Metrobus Operational

The Lahore Metrobus, the first of its kind in Pakistan, became operational in February 2013.

May 2013: First Successful Democratic Transition

In May 2013, Pakistan experienced its first successful democratic transition.

2013: Number of Airports and Airfields

As of 2013, Pakistan has approximately 151 airports and airfields, including both military and civilian installations.

2013: Establishment of Second Nuclear Complex

In 2013, Pakistan established a second nuclear complex in Karachi with plans for additional reactors similar to Chashma.

2013: Pakistan exported cement

In 2013, Pakistan exported 7,708,557 metric tons of cement, with an installed capacity of 44,768,250 metric tons.

2013: Chinese Language Courses Mandated

In 2013, reforms in Sindh mandated Chinese language courses, reflecting China's growing influence.

2013: PML (N) Victory, Nawaz Sharif Elected

In 2013, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) achieved victory in the general election, leading to Nawaz Sharif's third term as Prime Minister.

2014: Services sector contribution to GDP

As of 2014–15, the services sector contributes 58.8% to GDP, serving as the main driver of economic growth in Pakistan.

June 2015: Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus Phase One

The first phase of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus, stretching 48.1 km, commenced operations in June 2015.

2015: Shift from agriculture to services

As of 2015, Pakistan's economy has shifted from agriculture to services, with agriculture contributing only 20.9% of the GDP.

2015: Increase in Scientific Productivity

By 2015, Pakistan witnessed a fourfold increase in its scientific productivity, surging to more than 9,000 articles per year, exceeding the combined cited articles of the BRIC countries.

2015: Increase in Remittances

From 2015 to 2016 remittances were US$19.9 billion.

2015: Literacy Rate Target

Government initiatives aimed for an ~86% literacy rate by 2015.

2015: Agreements and MOUs with China

In 2015, Pakistan and China inked 51 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperative efforts.

2015: Pakistan's ranking in Travel & Tourism Competitiveness

In 2015, the World Economic Forum ranked Pakistan 125th out of 141 countries in its Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report.

February 2016: Karachi Metrobus Project Initiated

In February 2016, the Government of Pakistan initiated a larger metrobus project in Karachi.

October 2016: Renewable Energy Production

Pakistan produced 1,135 megawatts of renewable energy for the month of October 2016.

2016: Increase in Port Infrastructure Quality

According to the WEF's Global Competitiveness Report, Pakistan's port infrastructure quality ratings rose from 3.7 to 4.1 between 2007 and 2016.

2016: Saudi Arabia as Largest Remittance Source

As of 2016, Saudi Arabia was the largest source of remittances to Pakistan, contributing $5.9 billion.

2016: Pakistan Lauded for Infrastructure Development

During the 2016 annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank, Pakistan was recognized as the leading nation in South Asia for infrastructure development.

2016: Mediation Between Saudi Arabia and Iran

In 2016, Pakistan mediated between Saudi Arabia and Iran following the execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr, with visits to both countries by then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Chief of Army Staff, Raheel Sharif.

January 2017: Multan Metrobus Inaugurated

The Multan Metrobus was inaugurated in January 2017, providing rapid transit services to Multan.

2017: Average Annual Population Growth Rate

Between 1998 and 2017, the average annual population growth rate in Pakistan stood at +2.40%.

2017: Urban Population

Pakistan's urban population was 75.7 million in 2017.

2017: Population Under 15

The 2017 census recorded that 40.3% of Pakistan's population was under the age of 15.

2018: Literacy Rate in Pakistan

As of 2018, Pakistan's literacy rate stood at 62.3%, with significant regional and gender disparities.

2018: PTI Wins, Imran Khan Becomes PM

In 2018, PTI won the general election, and Imran Khan became the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan.

2018: Decline in Foreign Tourists

In 2018, Pakistan attracted approximately 6.6 million foreign tourists, marking a decrease from the tourism peak experienced in the 1970s due to the popular Hippie trail.

2019: Pakistan among largest arms importers

From 2019 to 2023, Pakistan was the 5th-largest recipient and importer of arms.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index Ranking

In 2019, Pakistan's Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score was 7.42/10, ranking 41st globally out of 172 countries.

2019: Shia Population Estimate

In 2019, the Shia population in Pakistan was estimated at 42 million.

2019: Indefinite Ban on Bollywood Movies

In 2019, the screening of Bollywood movies in Pakistan faced an indefinite ban.

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May 2020: Internet Users in Pakistan

As of May 2020, Pakistan has around 82 million internet users, ranking among top ten globally.

August 2020: Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit Inaugurated

Peshawar's Bus Rapid Transit, marking the fourth BRT system in Pakistan, was inaugurated in August 2020.

November 2020: Partial Revival of Karachi Circular Railway

The Karachi Circular Railway was partially revived in November 2020, offering public transit services in the Karachi metropolitan area.

May 2021: Nuclear power plants operation

As of May 2021, Pakistan operates six licensed commercial nuclear power plants overseen by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). These plants contribute approximately 5.8% to Pakistan's electricity supply.

December 2021: Karachi Green Line Metrobus Operational

Karachi's Green Line Metrobus became operational in December 2021 as part of a larger metrobus project.

2021: Forest Coverage

Approximately 4.8% or 36,845.6 square kilometres of Pakistan was forested in 2021.

2021: Vani declared un-Islamic

In 2021, the Federal Shariat Court declared the customary practice of Vani, where girls are given in marriage to settle disputes, as un-Islamic and unconstitutional.

2021: National Intelligence Coordination Committee established

In 2021, the National Intelligence Coordination Committee was established to improve coordination among Pakistan's intelligence agencies. The inaugural meeting was attended by the heads of the ISI, IB, and FIA.

2021: Refugee Population

In mid-2021, the UNHCR estimated Pakistan to have the world's fourth-largest refugee population, at 1.4 million.

April 2022: Shehbaz Sharif Elected PM

In April 2022, Shehbaz Sharif was elected as prime minister after Imran Khan lost a no-confidence vote.

2022: Pakistan ranks seventh globally in cotton production

As of 2022, Pakistan ranks seventh globally in cotton production, with substantial spinning capacity, making it a major exporter of textile products in Asia.

2022: Fertility Rate

In 2022, Pakistan's fertility rate was estimated at 3.5.

October 2023: Expulsion of Undocumented Afghans

In October 2023, Pakistan ordered the mass expulsion of undocumented Afghans, citing national security risks.

2023: Fifth largest troop contributor to UN

According to a 2023 UN report, the Pakistani military was the fifth largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.

2023: Hindu Population in Pakistan

According to the census in 2023, Hinduism is the second-largest religion in Pakistan, followed by 2.17% of the population, numbering 5,217,216.

2023: TV channels faced suspensions and legal threats

According to the journalist Raza Rumi, in 2023, TV channels in Pakistan faced suspensions and legal threats for airing content critical of the government or military, while online platforms also experienced temporary takedowns.

2023: High number of acid attacks reported

As of 2023, Pakistan has a high number of reported acid attacks, with about 200 incidents annually, most victims being women.

2023: Pakistan's Population and Muslim Demographics

As of 2023, Pakistan is the fifth-most populous country in the world, with a population of over 241.5 million, and also holds the second-largest Muslim population.

2023: Pakistan among largest arms importers

From 2019 to 2023, Pakistan was the 5th-largest recipient and importer of arms.

2023: Pakistan's Ranking in Scientific Papers

In 2023, Pakistan ranked 26th globally in published scientific papers.

2023: Pakistan's Export Economy

In 2023, Pakistan was the 66th-largest export economy, with a trade deficit of US$21.3 billion.

2023: Electricity Generation Capacity in Pakistan

In 2023, Pakistan's installed electricity generation capacity was approximately 45,885 MWt.

2023: Pakistan's share of global exports

In 2023, Pakistan's share of global exports averaged 0.14% between 1990 and 2023 and was 0.12% in 2023.

2023: Ethnolinguistic Groups in Pakistan

In 2023, according to the national census, the largest ethnolinguistic groups in Pakistan included Punjabis (36.98%), Pashtuns (18.15%), Sindhis (14.31%), Saraikis (12%), Urdu speaking people (9.25%), Balochs (3.38%), Hindkowans/Hazarewals (2.32%), and Brahuis (1.16%).

2023: Pakistan Census

The final results of the 2023 census show that Pakistan had a population of 241,499,431, including the country's four provinces and the Islamabad Capital Territory.

2024: GDP growth rate of Pakistan

Among South Asian countries, Pakistan's GDP growth rate of 2.5% in 2024 was the second lowest after Afghanistan.

2024: Pakistan's Armed Forces Size in 2024

As of 2024, Pakistan has the world's seventh-largest standing armed forces in terms of personnel size, comprising approximately 660,000 active-duty troops and 291,000 paramilitary personnel.

2024: Shehbaz Sharif Elected PM for Second Term

During the 2024 general election, PTI-backed independents became the largest bloc, but Shehbaz Sharif was elected prime minister for a second term through a coalition between PML (N) and PPPP.

2024: Corruption Perceptions Index Score

In 2024, Pakistan scored 27 out of 100 on the Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 135th out of 180 countries.

2024: UN Women Report on Child Marriage

In 2024, UN Women reported that around one in six girls in Pakistan are married during childhood, with the country home to nearly 19 million child brides.

2024: Remittances by diaspora

In fiscal year 2024–25, Pakistan's diaspora of around 10 million sent US$38.3 billion in remittances, as reported by the Special Investment Facilitation Council.

September 2025: Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia

In September 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement under which any aggression against one country is considered an aggression against both, extending Pakistan's nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia.

2025: Pakistan's Nominal GDP

As of 2025, Pakistan's nominal GDP stood at US$410.5 billion, with GDP by PPP at US$1.67 trillion. CPI inflation in 2025 was 4.5%.

2025: Law setting minimum legal age for marriage

In 2025, Pakistan enacted a law setting the minimum legal age for marriage at 18 and introducing penalties for arranging underage marriages; the law is limited to the Islamabad Capital Territory and does not apply nationwide.

2025: Press Freedom Index Ranking

In 2025, Pakistan ranked 158 out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, highlighting restrictions on freedom of the press.