History of Pakistan in Timeline
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a South Asian country and the fifth-most populous globally. It boasts the second-largest Muslim population. Islamabad serves as the capital, while Karachi is its largest city and financial hub. Bordered by the Arabian Sea and several countries including India, Afghanistan, Iran and China, Pakistan also shares a maritime border with Oman. It is a significant nation in the region due to its strategic location and large population.
1906: Establishment of the All-India Muslim League
In 1906, the All-India Muslim League was established, advocated the two-nation theory.
March 1929: Jinnah's Fourteen Points
In March 1929, Muhammad Ali Jinnah issued his fourteen points in response to the Nehru Report, proposing safeguards for the Muslim minority in a united India.
December 1930: Iqbal Advocates Muslim-Majority States
In December 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 his pamphlet "Now or Never" as an acronym for the Muslim homelands in British India.
1937: Congress-Led Governments Neglect Muslim League
From 1937, the perception that Congress-led British provincial governments neglected the Muslim League.
1939: Congress-Led Governments Neglect Muslim League
Until 1939, the perception that Congress-led British provincial governments neglected the Muslim League.
1940: Lahore Resolution
In 1940, the Lahore Resolution, also known as the Pakistan Resolution, was adopted.
1946: Election Victories for the All-India Muslim League
In 1946, the All-India Muslim League's election victories spurred the Pakistan Movement's call for a homeland for British India's Muslims.
1946: Muslim League Secures Seats
In 1946, the Muslim League secured 90 percent of the Muslim seats, which led to acknowledging its significance.
June 1947: Partition Plan Announcement
In June 1947, the British announced their intention to end rule by June 1948, and Mountbatten declared the partition of British India into Pakistan and India.
August 1947: Partition of India
In August 1947, the Partition of India sparked a major territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.
August 1947: Establishment of Pakistan
In August 1947, the modern state of Pakistan was established, merging Muslim-majority regions of British India.
1947: End of British Rule
By 1947, all of modern Pakistan was part of the British Indian Empire, until independence was achieved that year.
1947: Indian Muslims migrate to Pakistan
Even post-1947 partition, Indian Muslims kept migrating to Pakistan, especially Karachi and Sindh province.
1947: Jinnah as Governor-General
In 1947, Jinnah became Pakistan's first Governor-General after independence.
1947: Independence After Partition
In 1947, Pakistan gained independence after the Partition of the British Indian Empire, resulting in mass migration and loss of life.
1947: Partition Riots and Mass Migration
In 1947, riots during the partition in Punjab Province led to mass killings and migration between India and Pakistan.
1947: Establishment of Armed Forces
In 1947, the armed forces of Pakistan were established.
1947: Historical Context of Pakistan
In 1947, the regions that now make up modern Pakistan were under the British Raj, marking a significant period in its history.
1947: First War with India
Since 1947, Pakistan has been involved in four conventional wars with India.
June 1948: British Intention to End Rule
In June 1948, the British announced their intention to end rule.
September 1948: Death of Jinnah
In September 1948, Jinnah, Pakistan's first Governor-General, died, after independence in 1947.
1948: Indo-Pakistani War
In 1948, a dispute over Jammu and Kashmir sparked the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948.
March 1949: Objectives Resolution
In March 1949, the Objectives Resolution affirmed God as the sole sovereign.
March 1949: Passage of the Objectives Resolution
In March 1949, the Objectives Resolution was passed, affirming God's sovereignty over the universe and the State of Pakistan.
1949: Advocating for an Islamic Constitution
In 1949, Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani and Maulana Mawdudi played key roles in advocating for an Islamic constitution in Pakistan.
1949: Ceasefire in Kashmir
In 1949, the United Nations led to a ceasefire in Kashmir, establishing the Line of Control (LoC) as a de facto border.
1951: Pakistan population
In 1951, Pakistan's population was 33.7 million.
1956: Pakistan as a Republic
From 1947 to 1956, Pakistan was a monarchy, until it became a republic.
1956: First Constitution
In 1956, Pakistan initially adopted a constitution.
1956: Preamble to the Constitution
In 1956, The Objectives Resolution was included as a preamble to the constitutions.
1958: Constitution Suspended
In 1958, Ayub Khan suspended the 1956 constitution.
1962: Adoption of Presidential System
In 1962, Pakistan adopted a presidential system, experiencing significant growth until the war with India.
1962: Preamble to the Constitution
In 1962, The Objectives Resolution was included as a preamble to the constitutions.
1962: Second Constitution
In 1962, the second constitution replaced the first one.
1965: Bollywood films banned
Bollywood films were banned from public cinemas in Pakistan from 1965 to 2008.
1965: Second War with India
In 1965, territorial disputes led to another war between India and Pakistan.
1967: Arab-Israel War
During the 1967 Arab-Israel war, Pakistan supported the Arab states.
1969: Yahya Khan Consolidates Control
In 1969, President Yahya Khan consolidated control, facing a cyclone in East Pakistan that resulted in 500,000 deaths.
1970: General Elections
After the 1970 general elections, the Parliament crafted the 1973 Constitution.
1970: First Democratic Elections
In 1970, Pakistan conducted its first democratic elections since independence, but the military refused to transfer power after the Awami League's victory.
1971: Pakistan develops atomic weapons
Following the 1971 war with India, Pakistan initiated a program to develop atomic weapons as a deterrent.
1971: Secession of East Pakistan
In 1971, East Pakistan seceded and became the new country of Bangladesh after a nine-month civil war.
1971: Conventional War
In 1971, preemptive strikes on India by Pakistan sparked a conventional war.
1971: KANUPP-I Supplied by Canada in 1971
KANUPP-I, Pakistan's first commercial nuclear power plant, was supplied by Canada in 1971.
1971: Post-1971, Marxist thought gained prominence in Pakistani philosophy
Post-1971, Marxist thought gained prominence in Pakistani philosophy through figures like Jalaludin Abdur Rahim.
1971: End of Ayub Khan's Era
The era of military coups, leading to martial law ended in 1971.
1972: Simla Agreement
In 1972, India referred to the Simla Agreement stating Kashmir is an integral part of India.
1972: Nuclear Deterrence Capability
In 1972, Pakistan embarked on an ambitious plan to develop its nuclear deterrence capability and the country's first nuclear power plant was inaugurated.
1973: Constitution Declares Islamic Republic
In 1973 Constitution Pakistan was declared an Islamic Republic, with Islam as the state religion.
1973: Preamble to the Constitution
In 1973, The Objectives Resolution was included as a preamble to the constitutions.
1974: India's First Nuclear Test
In 1974, India's first nuclear test gave Pakistan additional justification to accelerate its nuclear program.
1974: Ahmadis banned from calling themselves Muslims
Since 1974, Ahmadis in Pakistan have faced persecution and have been banned from identifying as Muslims.
1975: Cessation of Karachi's Tramway Service
Karachi's tramway service ceased operations in 1975, and plans are underway to resurrect it.
1976: Establishment of Kahuta Research Laboratories in 1976
Abdul Qadeer Khan established the Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL) in 1976.
1977: Constitution Suspended Again
In 1977, Zia-ul-Haq suspended the 1973 constitution.
1977: Military Coup
In 1977, a military coup ended democracy and led to General Zia-ul-Haq becoming president in 1978.
1978: Zia-ul-Haq Becomes President
In 1978, General Zia-ul-Haq became the president, after the military coup in 1977.
1981: Pakistan urban population
Between 1981 and 2017, Pakistan's urban population tripled from 23.8 million to 75.7 million.
1985: Constitution Reinstated
In 1985, the 1973 constitution was reinstated.
1988: President Zia's corporatisation and economic Islamisation initiatives
From 1977 to 1988, President Zia's corporatisation and economic Islamisation initiatives led to Pakistan becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in South Asia.
1988: Death of President Zia
In 1988, President Zia died in a plane crash, and Benazir Bhutto was elected as the country's first female Prime Minister.
1988: End of Zia-ul-Haq's Era
The era of military coups, leading to martial law ended in 1988.
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: Pakistan's urban population
Between 1990 and 2008, city dwellers constituted 36% of Pakistan's population, making it South Asia's most urbanized nation.
1990: Pakistan launches first satellite
In 1990, Pakistan successfully launched its first satellite, marking a significant milestone as the first Muslim nation and second in South Asia to achieve this.
1990: Decline in Total Rail Track in 1990-91
Total rail track decreased from 8,775 kilometres (5,453 miles) in 1990–91 to 7,791 kilometres (4,841 miles) in 2011.
1992: Pakistan maintains Antarctic Research Station
Since 1992, Pakistan has been active in Antarctica research, maintaining its Jinnah Antarctic Research Station.
1993: Somalia Rescue Mission
Pakistan played a major role in operations like the rescue mission in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993.
1993: Civil Aviation Industry Deregulation
The civil aviation industry was deregulated in 1993.
1995: Government Initiatives
Government initiatives, including computer literacy since 1995, aim to eradicate illiteracy.
1997: PML (N) Secures Supermajority
In 1997, PML (N) secured a supermajority in elections.
May 1998: Nuclear testings
In May 1998, Nawaz Sharif authorised nuclear testings, as a retaliation to the second nuclear tests conducted by India.
1998: Pakistan Census
According to the 1998 census, a small percentage of Pakistanis profess no faith.
1998: Pakistan population growth rate
Between 1998 and 2017, the average annual population growth rate stood at +2.40%.
1998: Pakistan conducts underground nuclear tests
In 1998, Pakistan conducted underground nuclear tests, becoming the seventh country to possess nuclear weapons.
1998: Migration of Bengalis and Rohingya
Migration of Bengalis and Rohingya to Pakistan started in the 1980s and continued till 1998.
1999: Kargil War and Musharraf's Coup
In 1999, military tension in Kargil led to the Kargil War, and General Pervez Musharraf took over through a bloodless coup d'état.
1999: Musharraf's Era
The era of military coups, leading to martial law started in 1999.
2001: Abdul Qadeer Khan's Retirement in 2001
Abdul Qadeer Khan retired in 2001 as the Director-General of Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL).
2001: Musharraf Becomes President
In 2001, Pervez Musharraf became the President of Pakistan.
2002: Musharraf as Chief Executive
In 2002, Pervez Musharraf governed Pakistan as chief executive.
2004: Major non-NATO ally status by the U.S.
In 2004, Pakistan was granted major non-NATO ally status by the U.S.
2004: Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Since 2004, the military has been engaged in an insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
2005: The Guardian Highlights Tourist Sites in 2005
Following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, The Guardian highlighted "The top five tourist sites in Pakistan".
2005: Percentage of Atheists
In 2005, 1% of the population in Pakistan identified as atheist.
2005: Energy Security Plan Proposed in 2005
In 2005, Pakistan and China proposed a joint energy security plan.
2005: International Seminar on Physics Hosted in 2005
In 2005, Pakistan hosted an international seminar on "Physics in Developing Countries" for the International Year of Physics.
2005: Pakistan's Wheat Production in 2005
In 2005, Pakistan's wheat production surpassed Africa's and nearly matched South America's.
2006: Free Trade Agreement
In 2006, Pakistan and China signed a Free Trade Agreement.
2006: Increase in scientific productivity
In 2006, Pakistan scientific productivity was at approximately 2,000 articles per year, which started a decade of growth.
November 2007: National Assembly Completes Term
In November 2007, the National Assembly completed its first full five-year term.
2007: Pakistan's Port Infrastructure Quality Ratings Increased
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.
2007: Pakistan's Global Export Share in 2007
In 2007, Pakistan's global export share was just 0.13% according to the World Trade Organization.
2007: English medium education made mandatory
Since 2007, initiatives have made English medium education mandatory nationwide in Pakistan.
2007: Pakistan's Economy Cools Post-2007
The economy cooled post-2007, with inflation peaking.
June 2008: Expansion of Nuclear Complex in June 2008
In June 2008, the nuclear complex at Chashma in Punjab Province expanded with the installation of Chashma-III and Chashma–IV reactors.
August 2008: Musharraf Resigns
On August 18, 2008, President Musharraf resigned 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 in October 2008.
2008: Pakistan's urban population
Between 1990 and 2008, city dwellers constituted 36% of Pakistan's population, making it South Asia's most urbanized nation.
2008: Bollywood films allowed
Bollywood films were banned from public cinemas in Pakistan from 1965 to 2008.
2008: End of Musharraf's Presidency
In 2008, Pervez Musharraf's term as president ended.
2008: Religious minority populations
In 2008, the Bahá'í Faith had 30,000 followers in Pakistan, followed by Sikhism, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism, each with around 20,000 adherents.
2008: Inflation Peaked at 25% in 2008
Inflation peaked at 25.0% in 2008, necessitating IMF intervention to prevent bankruptcy.
November 2009: Pakistan's Inaugural Fashion Week
Pakistan's inaugural fashion week took place in November 2009.
2009: Increase in remittances
From 2009-10 to 2015-16, remittances to Pakistan increased by over 100%, from US$8.9 billion to US$19.9 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.
2010: Pakistan Hindu Population
In 2010, Pakistan had the fifth-largest Hindu population globally.
2010: Pakistan's Global Ranking in Published Scientific Papers
In 2010, Pakistan ranked 43rd globally in published scientific papers.
2010: Constitutional Amendments
In 2010, constitutional amendments curtailed presidential powers, enhancing the role of the prime minister.
2010: Inflation for Fiscal Year 2010-11
Inflation for fiscal year 2010–11 stood at 14.1%.
2011: Decline in Total Rail Track in 2011
In 2011 total rail track was 7,791 kilometres.
June 2012: Gilani's Disqualification
In June 2012, clashes with the judicature prompted Yusuf Raza Gilani's disqualification from the Parliament and as the Prime Minister.
2012: Non-denominational Muslims
As of 2012, 12% of Pakistani Muslims self-identified as non-denominational Muslims.
2012: Percentage of Atheists
By 2012, the percentage of atheists in Pakistan had risen to 2.0% according to Gallup.
2012: Malala Yousafzai Nobel laureate
Following a 2012 attack on Malala Yousafzai, she became the youngest Nobel laureate for her education advocacy.
February 2013: Lahore Metrobus Operational
The Lahore Metrobus, the first of its kind in Pakistan, has been operational since February 2013.
May 2013: First Successful Democratic Transition
In May 2013, the first successful democratic transition occurred.
2013: Number of Airports and Airfields in 2013
As of 2013, Pakistan has approximately 151 airports and airfields, including both military and civilian installations.
2013: Establishment of Second Nuclear Complex in 2013
In 2013, Pakistan established a second nuclear complex in Karachi with plans for additional reactors, similar to Chashma.
2013: Pakistan Cement Exports in 2013
In 2013, Pakistan exported 7,708,557 metric tons of cement.
2013: Chinese language courses mandated
In 2013, reforms mandated Chinese language courses in Sindh, reflecting China's growing influence.
2013: PML (N) Victory
In 2013, the PML (N) achieved victory in the general election, and Nawaz Sharif was elected as Prime Minister for the third time.
2013: Economic Growth Under IMF Program Since 2013
Since 2013, Pakistan's economy has seen growth under an IMF program.
2014: Service Sector Contribution in 2014-15
As of 2014–15, the services sector contributed 58.8% to GDP.
June 2015: Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus Commenced
The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus, stretching 48.1 km, commenced its first phase in June 2015.
2015: World Bank Ranks Pakistan's Economy in 2015
A 2015 report published by the World Bank ranked Pakistan's economy at 24th-largest in the world by purchasing power and 41st-largest in absolute terms.
2015: Agriculture's GDP Contribution in 2015
As of 2015, agriculture contributed only 20.9% of Pakistan's GDP.
2015: Increase in scientific productivity
By 2015, Pakistan witnessed a surge in scientific productivity, exceeding 9,000 articles annually.
2015: Increase in remittances
From 2009-10 to 2015-16, remittances to Pakistan increased by over 100%, from US$8.9 billion to US$19.9 billion.
2015: Pakistan's goal literacy rate
Government initiatives targeted an ~86% literacy rate by 2015 in Pakistan.
2015: Cooperative Efforts
In 2015, Pakistan and China inked 51 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperative efforts.
2015: WEF's Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report
In 2015, the World Economic Forum ranked Pakistan 125th out of 141 countries in its Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report.
2015: Diaspora Contribution in 2015-16
In 2015–16, Pakistan's diaspora contributed US$19.9 billion.
2015: Pakistan's Economy in Fiscal Year 2015-16
In fiscal year 2015-16, Pakistan ranked as the 67th-largest export economy and the 106th-most complex economy globally, with a negative trade balance of US$23.96 billion.
February 2016: Karachi's Green Line Metrobus Initiated
Karachi's Green Line Metrobus, part of a larger metrobus project financed by the Government of Pakistan, was initiated in February 2016.
October 2016: Renewable Energy Production in October 2016
Pakistan produced 1,135 megawatts of renewable energy for the month of October 2016.
2016: Pakistan's Port Infrastructure Quality Ratings Increased
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: Remittances from Saudi Arabia
As of 2016, Saudi Arabia was the largest source of remittances to Pakistan, contributing $5.9 billion.
2016: Pakistan Lauded for Infrastructure Development in 2016
During the 2016 annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank, Pakistan was lauded as the top nation for infrastructure development in South Asia.
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.
2016: Ruchir Sharma's Prediction in 2016
Ruchir Sharma in his 2016 book anticipated a transformation to a middle-income country by 2020.
January 2017: Multan Metrobus Inaugurated
Multan Metrobus, serving Multan with its rapid transit services, was inaugurated in January 2017.
2017: Pakistan population
By 2017, Pakistan's population had grown to 207.7 million.
2017: Pakistan census results
The 2017 census recorded that 40.3% of the country's population was under the age of 15.
2018: Pakistan literacy rate
As of 2018, Pakistan's literacy rate stood at 62.3%.
2018: PTI Victory and Imran Khan
In 2018, PTI won the general election and Imran Khan became the 22nd Prime Minister.
2018: Foreign Tourist Arrivals in 2018
In 2018, Pakistan drew around 6.6 million foreign tourists.
2018: Pakistan Press Freedom Ranking
In 2018, Pakistan was ranked 139 out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index, as reported by Reporters Without Borders, demonstrating significant restrictions on freedom of the press.
2019: Arms Imports
Between 2019 and 2023, Pakistan was the 5th-largest recipient and importer of arms.
2019: Bollywood movies faced an indefinite ban
In 2019, the screening of Bollywood movies faced an indefinite ban in Pakistan.
2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index
Pakistan had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 7.42/10.
May 2020: Pakistan's Internet Users in May 2020
As of May 2020, Pakistan had around 82 million internet users, ranking 9th globally.
August 2020: Peshawar's Bus Rapid Transit Inaugurated
Peshawar's Bus Rapid Transit, marking the fourth BRT system in Pakistan, was inaugurated in August 2020.
November 2020: Karachi Circular Railway Partially Revived
Karachi Circular Railway, partially revived in November 2020, offers public transit services in the Karachi metropolitan area.
2020: Ruchir Sharma's Prediction in 2016
Ruchir Sharma in his 2016 book anticipated a transformation to a middle-income country by 2020.
May 2021: Pakistan's Nuclear Power Plants in May 2021
As of May 2021, Pakistan operates six licensed commercial nuclear power plants.
December 2021: Karachi's Green Line Metrobus Operational
Karachi's Green Line Metrobus, operational since December 2021, is part of a larger metrobus project.
2021: Pakistan Press Freedom Index ranking
A 2021 report by the Reporters Without Borders ranked Pakistan 157th among 180 nations on the Press Freedom Index.
April 2022: Shehbaz Sharif Elected Prime Minister
In April 2022, Shehbaz Sharif was elected as prime minister, after Imran Khan lost a no-confidence vote.
2022: Pakistan's Nominal GDP in 2022
As of 2022, Pakistan's estimated nominal GDP was US$376.493 billion, with a nominal per capita GDP of US$1,658.
2022: Pakistan fertility rate
In 2022, Pakistan's fertility rate was estimated at 3.5.
October 2023: Pakistan orders deportation of refugees
In October 2023, Pakistan ordered the deportation of thousands of undocumented refugees due to security concerns.
2023: UN Troop Contributor
According to a 2023 UN report, the Pakistani military was the fifth largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.
2023: Pakistan National Census
According to the 2023 national census, the largest ethnolinguistic groups in Pakistan included the Punjabis (36.98%), Pashtuns (18.15%), and Sindhis (14.31%).
2023: Arms Imports
Between 2019 and 2023, Pakistan was the 5th-largest recipient and importer of arms.
2023: Pakistan Population in 2023
In 2023, Pakistan was the fifth-most populous country with over 241.5 million people and the second-largest Muslim population.
2023: Pakistan's Installed Electricity Generation Capacity in 2023
In 2023, Pakistan's installed electricity generation capacity was ~45,885 MWt.
2024: Armed Forces Ranking
As of 2024, the armed forces of Pakistan rank sixth globally in personnel size.
2024: Shehbaz Sharif Elected Prime Minister Again
During the 2024 general election, PTI-backed independents became the largest bloc, but Shehbaz Sharif was elected prime minister for a second term.
2024: Global Innovation Index
Pakistan was ranked 91st in the Global Innovation Index by 2024.
2025: Renewable Energy Target by 2025
Pakistan expects to produce 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2025.
2030: Nuclear Energy Vision 2050 Target
Pakistan's Nuclear Energy Vision 2050 targets a capacity of 40,000 MWe, with 8,900 MWe expected by 2030.
2050: Goldman Sachs Prediction by 2050
Goldman Sachs predicted Pakistan's economy could grow 15 times by 2050.
2050: Middle Class Citizens Projected to 100 Million by 2050
Pakistan has an estimated 40 million middle class citizens, projected to increase to 100 million by 2050.
2050: Nuclear Energy Vision 2050 Target
Pakistan's Nuclear Energy Vision 2050 targets a capacity of 40,000 MWe, with 8,900 MWe expected by 2030.
