In the heart of South Asia, where the threads of history and modernity weave together, lies Pakistan—a nation born from a blend of dreams, determination, and the tumultuous events of the 20th century. The story of Pakistan begins with the Lahore Resolution of 1940, a pivotal moment when the vision of a new nation began to take shape. On August 14, 1947, as the sun set, Pakistan emerged from the shadows of colonial rule, driven by a quest for independence and self-determination. From the challenges of partition to its strides in space exploration and nuclear technology, Pakistan’s journey has been marked by resilience and ambition. Let’s explore the key moments that have defined the country, revealing how historical events have shaped its unique identity and lasting spirit.
1940: Lahore Resolution
The famous Lahore Resolution, later known as the Pakistan Resolution, was passed by the largest gathering of league delegates just one day after Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah informed his followers that “the problem of India is not of an inter-communal but manifestly of an international character.” The league resolved, therefore, that any future constitutional plan proposed by the British for India would not be “acceptable to the Muslims” unless it was so designed that the Muslim-majority “areas” of India’s “North-Western and Eastern Zones” were “grouped to constitute ‘independent States’ in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and sovereign.” The story of Pakistan suggests that “Pakistan” was not mentioned until the next day’s newspapers introduced that word in their headlines, and Jinnah explained that the resolution envisioned the establishment of not two separately administered Muslim countries but rather a single Muslim nation-state—namely, Pakistan.
1947: Independence of Pakistan from British Colonial Rule.
Pakistan emerged as an independent state on the world map among the league of nations on August 14th, 1947. The story of Pakistan has its roots into the remote past. Its establishment was the culmination of the struggle by Muslims of the South-Asian subcontinent for a separate homeland of their own. The British Government, after its last attempt to save the Cabinet Mission Plan in December 1946, also moved towards a scheme for the partition of India. The last British Viceroy, Lord Louis Mountbatten, came with a clear mandate to draft a plan for the transfer of power.
After holding talks with political leaders and parties, he prepared a Partition Plan for the transfer of power, which, after approval of the British Government, was announced on June 3, 1947.
Both the Congress and the Muslim League under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah accepted the Plan. The two largest Muslim-majority provinces, Bengal and Punjab, were partitioned. The Assemblies of West Punjab, East Bengal, and Sindh and in Balochistan, the Quetta Municipality, and the Shahi Jirga voted for Pakistan. Referenda were held in the North-West Frontier Province and the District of Sylhet in Assam, which resulted in an overwhelming vote for Pakistan. As a result, on August 14th, 1947/ 27th of Ramadan 1366, the new state of Pakistan came into existence marking the beginning of the story of Pakistan.
1947- 1955: Re-Settlement of Citizens in the largest Human Migration in Recorded History
The partition of India in 1947 on the basis of religion into Muslim-majority West and East Pakistan and Hindu-majority India resulted in the largest and most rapid migrations in human history. The resettlement of these ideological migrants was one of the first major challenges faced by the newly independent government of West and East Pakistan. It is estimated that the total migratory outflows of people from various districts across the subcontinent tallied up to 17.9 million migrants leaving their original homes in total. Flows were much larger along the western border, higher in cities and areas close to the border between the two newly formed nation-states. Thus, with these monumental shifts, the story of Pakistan began.
1948: Kashmir War
The first of four Indo-Pakistani wars between the two newly independent nations always remains pivotal in the story of Pakistan. The country valiantly participated in the war only a few weeks after its independence by launching tribal militias, in an effort to capture and liberate Jammu and Kashmir and to preempt the possibility of its ruler joining India. The main battles during the Indian Summer Offensive, commencing on 17/18 May, 1948, were fought in Jhelum and Neelum valleys, with overall thrust towards Muzaffarabad. India had a massive force of three infantry divisions, tanks, artillery and complete air support for its much trumpeted summer offensive. Some of the fiercest battles of the Kashmir War were fought between May and December 1948. The battle for Pir Sahaba / Danna ridge, Point 7229 and battle for Chunj Feature in Neelum valley, are examples of gallantry of Pakistan Army when it defended its area against an overwhelmingly stronger enemy.
1949: Objective Resolution
In the story of Pakistan, Objectives Resolution is one of the most important documents in the constitutional history of Pakistan. It was passed by the first Constituent Assembly on 12th March 1949 under the leadership of first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan. The Objectives Resolution is the grundnorm of the Constitution of Pakistan. It laid down the ideological objectives on which the future constitution of the Islamic Republic was to be based upon and it proved to be the foundational stone of the constitutional development in Pakistan. The most significant thing was that it contained the basic principles of a modern and democratic Islamic political system. The Objective Resolution is enshrined under Article 2A of the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan recognizing the sovereignty of Allah as a substantive part of the Constitution and by extension adopting the injunctions of Islam as contained in Qur’an and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the foundational and effective law of the republic.
1960: Indus Water Treaty and Expansion of Largest Irrigation System of the World.
The irrigation system of the Indus basin in Pakistan is the largest in the world, with 38,000 miles of canals and 100,000 private tubewells delivering water to 78,000 watercourses serving more than three million farms on 31 million acres. Expansion and modernization efforts commenced in light of the the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) that was signed in Karachi on 19 September 1960 by then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and then Pakistani president Ayub Khan. The IWT is a water-distribution treaty between Pakistan and India, arranged and negotiated by the World Bank, to use the water available in the Indus River and its tributaries – plays a vital role in the story of Pakistan.
The Treaty gives control over the waters of the three “Eastern Rivers” — the Beas, Ravi and Sutlej with a mean annual flow of 41 billion m3 (33 million acre⋅ft) — to India, while control over the waters of the three “Western Rivers” — the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum with a mean annual flow of 99 billion m3 — to Pakistan.[6] India got about 30% of the total water carried by the Indus Rivers System while Pakistan got the remaining 70%.
1962: Launch of Rehbar – I Rocket into Upper Atmosphere
In the story of Pakistan, the country embarked on its Space journey in 1961 with the establishment of Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). The prime focus of the agency was to develop and research Space Technology in Pakistan. With the launching of Rehbar-1, Pakistan became the third country in Asia, first country in South Asia, the Islamic world and the tenth in the entire world to launch a rocket into outer space. The rocket was launched on the 7th of June, 1962. Rehbar 1 was a 2 staged, solid fuel rocket that was the first of many to be launched by Pakistan over the next 10 years. The rocket also ended up playing an important role when it came to Pakistan developing it’s missile programme. The rocket was designed to measure the wind velocities and wind shears in the upper atmosphere. Rehbar literally means “One who leads the way” in Urdu.
1965: War Between India and Pakistan
Pakistan and India went into their second military conflict on 6 September 1965. The second conflict between Pakistan and India over the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir was the 1965 war. In the story of Pakistan, it marks the ultimate sacrifice of the Pakistan military which ensured that a superior invading force was decisively stopped from taking key cities like Lahore. The international politics of the Cold War affected the nature of the conflict.
The war began following Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar, which was designed to infiltrate forces into Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir to precipitate an insurgency against illegal rule by India. The five-week war caused thousands of casualties on both sides. India attacked across the international border on September 6th and a full-scale war broke out which concluded with a ceasefire on September 22nd. The war also witnessed the largest engagement of armored vehicles and the largest tank battle since World War II.
The ceasefire was accepted by India and Pakistan in September 1965. However, the ceasefire was not enough to resolve the status of Kashmir, and both sides accepted the Soviet Union as a third-party mediator. A declaration of formal cessation of hostilities was signed by the presidents of both Pakistan (General Ayub Khan) and India (Lal Bahadur Shastri). Peace between the two countries was negotiated under Soviet auspices in Tashkent on January 10th, 1966.
1967: Construction of Planned Capital City of Islamabad.
The capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad is located in the northwest of the country on Potohar Plateau. In the story of Pakistan, this area has been significant in history for being a part of the crossroads of the Rawalpindi and the North West Frontier Province. The city was built in 1960 to replace Karachi as the Pakistani capital, which it has been since 1967. A commission was accordingly set in motion in 1958, entrusted with the task of selecting a suitable site for the new capital with a particular emphasis on location, climate, logistics and defense requirements, aesthetics, and scenic and natural beauty.
After extensive research, feasibility studies and a thorough review of various sites, the commission recommended the area North East of the historic garrison city of Rawalpindi. After the final decision of the National Cabinet, it was put into practice. A Greek firm, Doxiadis Associates devised a master plan based on a grid system, with its north facing the Margallah Hills. The long-term plan was that Islamabad would eventually encompass Rawalpindi entirely, stretching to the West of the historic Grand Trunk road, and thus would be incorporated in the story of Pakistan.
1971: Pakistan’s first Nuclear Power Plant, KANUPP Unit 1
“In the story of Pakistan, the nation’s first nuclear power plant, KANUPP Unit 1 with a capacity of 137 MWe, was constructed on the outskirts of Karachi and achieved its first criticality on August 1, 1971. After the 50-year of successful commercial operation, the KANUPP Unit 1 power station was permanently shut-down on August 1, 2021 and is being decommissioned. Officially known as Karachi Nuclear Power Complex, the power generation site is composed of three commercial nuclear power plants. The K-1 commenced its criticality operations in 1971 whereas K-2 was commenced its operations in 2021 with a gross power capacity of 1100 MWt. Construction of K-2 and K-3 started in August, 2015 and in May, 2016 respectively. These units are based upon Chinese ACP1000 design, that is a Generation-III version of the PWR nuclear reactor technology. In this design, apart from other features, safety is significantly enhanced by using passive safety systems (no need of human action or input power for operation). K-2 was connected to the national grid on March 23, 2021 and successfully started commercial operation on May 21, 2021.
Likewise, the first grid connection and commercial operation dates of K-3 are March 4, 2022 and April 18, 2022. Finally, we have the Chashma Nuclear Power Generating Station (CNPGS) that hosts four nuclear power plants. These plants are based on Chinese Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) technology. CNPGS Unit 1 (C-1) and Unit-2 (C-2) have a gross capacity of 325 MWe each. C-1 started operation in 2000, while C-2 in 2011. CNPGS Unit 3 (C-3) and Unit-4 (C-4) both with gross capacity of 340 MWe each started commercial operation in 2016 & 2017, respectively. All four nuclear plants at Chashma are under IAEA safeguards.
1973: Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
In the story of Pakistan, the Constitution of Pakistan—آئینِ پاکستان—commonly known as the 1973 Constitution, stands as the supreme law of the country. The document guides Pakistan’s law, political culture, and system. It sets out the state’s outline, the fundamental rights of the population, the state’s law and orders, and also the structure and establishment of the institutions and the armed forces. Drafted by the government of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, with additional assistance from the country’s opposition parties, it was unanimously approved by the 5th Parliament on 10 April and came into effect on 14 August 1973. The first three chapters establish the rules, mandate, and separate powers of the three branches of the government: a bicameral legislature; an executive branch governed by the Prime Minister as chief executive; and an apex federal judiciary headed by the Supreme Court. The Constitution designates the President of Pakistan as a ceremonial Head of State who is to represent the unity of the state. The first six articles of the constitution outline the political system as the federal parliamentary republic system; as well as Islam as its state religion.
Moreover, in the story of Pakistan, the Constitution also includes provisions ensuring that the legal system complies with Islamic injunctions as outlined in the Quran and Sunnah.. As per the constitution, no law repugnant to the injunctions of Islam could be enacted and the present statutory laws would also be Islamised. The Principles of Policy include the Islamic way of life, promotion of Local Government institutions, full participation of women in national life, protection of minorities, promotion of social and economic well-being of the people, and strengthening the bonds with the Muslim world and to work for international peace.
1974: Construction of Tarbela Dam: Largest Earth Filled Dam in the World
With a volume of 142,000,000 cubic meters, the Tarbela Dam is the largest earth and rock-fill dam in the world and stands 147 meters above the Indus riverbed. Its reservoir occupies an area of 37 square kilometers. Construction originally began in 1968 with it becoming operational in 1974. With Its existing hydropower facilities, the dam supplies about 16% of the electricity generated in Pakistan.
1979: Construction of Karakoram Highway: Highest Paved International Highway in the World
Karakoram Highway is the roadway that connects Kashgar (Kaxgar) in the western Xinjiang Region, China, with Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. The road, which took almost 20 years (1959–79) to complete, extends for about 500 miles (800 km) through some of the most rugged and inaccessible terrain in Asia; it runs through or near the Pamirs, Hindu Kush, Kunlun Mountains, and Karakoram Range. Hence, in the story of Pakistan, the Karakoram Highway stands out as a remarkable achievement. At an altitude of 4,693 meters (15,397 feet), it is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.
1990: Launch of First Indigenous Satellite Badr –I
In the story of Pakistan, Badr-1, the first artificial and the first digital communications satellite launched by Pakistan’s national space authority — the SUPARCO — in 1990, is a significant milestone. The Badr-1 was Pakistan’s first indigenously developed and manufactured digital communications and an experimental artificial satellite which was launched into low Earth orbit by Pakistan on 16 July 1990, through a Chinese carrier rocket. The launch ushered new military, technological, and scientific developments in Pakistan and also provided data on radio-signal distribution in the ionosphere.
1991: First Muslim Nation to Establish a Research Base in the Continent of Antarctica
During 1991 and 1993, Pakistan established two scientific research stations: Jinnah Antarctic Station I and II, and an automatic weather station called Iqbal Observatory on Sor Rondane Mountain. This achievement earned Pakistan the associate membership of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) in 1992. More recently, Pakistani scientists have also participated in Chinese expeditions in Antarctica.
Pakistan’s Antarctic Program started nearly three decades back after the country sent its first expedition to the South Pole, backed by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) which was established in 1981 by the Ministry of Science and Technology. As the programme was led by the Navy, the PN dispatched a small group of Pakistan Marines, along with the team of scientists on board the destroyer PNS Tariq and the research vessel PNS Behr Paima. Facilities were quickly established in the region, and Jinnah Antarctic Station (JNS) was commissioned. The station houses an unmanned automatic Weather Station, from which data are transmitted to Pakistan via Argos Satellite System. In 2001, the Badr-B was connected to the Weather Station after it was launched by SUPARCO. In 2006, Pakistan established the National Institute of Oceanography’s Polar Research Cell (PRC).
When it comes to the story of Pakistan, several national organisations that are involved in Antarctic activities and are active participants in the Pakistan Antarctic Programme, also deserve credit. Both stations’ data are transmitted to Pakistan via the Badr-B Satellite. However, the new Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite System was launched in late 2011 to replace the Badr satellite system program.
Pakistan maintains two summer research stations and one weather observatory in the vicinity of the Sør Rondane Mountains, Queen Maud Land, in Eastern Antarctica. The Jinnah Antarctic Station is the centre of most operations, and travel to and from Antarctica is done through the airfield at the JAS.
1998: Pakistan Conducts Nuclear Tests – Chagai – I, Becomes Fifth Largest Nuclear Power.
Though Pakistan had fully acquired the capability for detonating a nuclear bomb by the end of 1984, it detonated five nuclear devices in the Ras Koh Hills in the Chagai district, Balochistan on 28 May 1998, a few weeks after India’s second nuclear test (Operation Shakti). This operation was named Chagai-I by Pakistan. The last test of Pakistan was conducted at the sandy Kharan Desert under the codename Chagai-II, also in Balochistan, on 30 May 1998. A Washington-based Nuclear Watch think tank of Boston University, reported that Pakistan has also acquired capacity to produce plutonium at its Khushab nuclear facility. On 24 March 2016, Pakistan announced that it has ratified the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM). The amendment entered into force on 8 May 2016 after the requisite number of states ratified the amendment. In December 2016 Pakistan issued an updated control list including nuclear and missile-related dual-use goods to bring its restrictions in line with those of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and the Australia Group (AG).
Pakistan is a member of some multilateral programs, including the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT). Pakistan is not a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and also opposes the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT). Pakistan argues that in the face of India’s increasing conventional capability, it is unreasonable to expect Pakistan to cap its fissile materials production. While declaring its opposition to the FMCT in its current format at the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in January 2010, Pakistan called for the CD’s agenda to be enlarged to consider aspects of regional conventional arms control and a regime on missile-related issues, while also maintaining its opposition to a treaty that did not cover fissile stocks retroactively. Pakistan has also consistently refused to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
The Chinese-built PWRs at Chashma, CHASNUPP-3, and CHASNUPP-4 were inaugurated in 2016 and 2017 respectively. In November 2017, Pakistan signed a deal with China to build an additional 1100-MW PWR at Chashma, to be called CHASNUPP-5.
2009: Indigenous Manufacturing of JF-17 Thunder Aircraft in Pakistan.
JF-17 Thunder is an advanced, light-weight, all-weather, day/night multi-role fighter aircraft; developed as a joint venture between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Kamra, and Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) of China. It possesses excellent air-to-air and air-to-surface combat capabilities. The state-of-the-art avionics, optimally integrated sub-systems, computerized flight controls, and capability to employ the latest weapons provides decisive advantage to JF-17 over adversaries of the same class. This all-weather, multi-role light combat fighter has remarkable high combat maneuverability at medium and low altitudes. With effective firepower, agility, and combat survivability, the aircraft is likely to emerge as a potent platform for any air force. The first PAC-produced aircraft was handed over to Pakistan Air Force in November 2009. Since then, aircraft have been produced regularly to meet the required schedule. The co-production of sub-assemblies and structural parts subsequently commenced and has sequentially attained sustained production status. Besides upgrading the production system, PAC has also upgraded its quality, technology, and archive management systems to meet the production and management standards of a 4th generation fighter aircraft.
2011: Fist Communications Satellite PAKSAT- 1R Launched
Pakistan’s first Communications Satellite PAKSAT-1R, as a part of Pakistan’s Space Programme 2040, was launched on 11th August 2011 on board China’s Satellite Launch Vehicle from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. PAKSAT-1R has a total of 30 transponders, 12 in C-band and 18 in Ku-band. PAKSAT-1R has a design life of 15 years and will provide TV broadcasting, Internet, and data communication services across South and Central Asia, Eastern Europe, East Africa, and the Far East. This satellite now enables the extension of communication services to all areas of Pakistan. Earlier, the contract for the development of PAKSAT-1R was signed between the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) in October 2008 during the visit of the President of Pakistan to China.
2015: Pakistan Armed Forces Launch Longest 2750km Range Shaheen III Missile.
Shaheen III is an intermediate-range ballistic missile being developed by Pakistan. It is the successor to the Shaheen I and Shaheen II ballistic missiles which were developed earlier. The missile is the largest in the Shaheen series and Pakistan’s inventory with a range of 2750 km. The surface-to-surface missile can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. It is a two-stage solid-fueled propellent ballistic missile. A solid fuel propellent is ready to shoot and takes less time to launch. It also gives the missile more acceleration. Shaheen III missile is a road-mobile weapon that is mounted on a transporter erector launcher (TELs) enabling transport and launch. The TELs are quicker to move and hide and are more survivable than the fixed launchers. Shaheen 3 was earlier tested twice in March and December 2015 and later unveiled to the public during a military parade in March 2016. The missile holds particular strategic importance for Pakistan as it strengthens Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence at the strategic level just as the short-range Nasr ballistic missile does at the tactical level giving India no space for nuclear aggression against it. The test is a message and commitment by Pakistan for a peaceful co-existence and maintaining strategic stability in the region.
2015: Pakistan’s Maritime Exclusive Economic Zone Increases by 50,000 sq km.
On 19 March 2015, the United Nations Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf (UNCLCS) completed its review and accepted Pakistan’s claim for extension of its continental shelf limits, thereby extending Pakistan’s sea limits from 200 nautical miles to 350 nautical miles. Following the acceptance of the claim, Pakistan’s offshore territory of 240,000sqkm would expand by another 50,000sqkm allowing the country to benefit from the natural resources contained in it. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) grants special rights to the coastal states with regards to exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production in the area in its jurisdiction, which is also described as exclusive economic zone.
2015: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Launched
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a huge project, mainly funded by the Chinese government, with the overall aim of transforming the economy of Pakistan. It sets out to do this by modernising the road and rail infrastructure in the country, building state-of-the-art 21st-century energy production and transportation systems, and creating international trade hubs such as the Deep Sea Port at Gwadar.
The official launch of CPEC took place on April 20, 2015, when both nations signed 51 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding with a combined value of $46 billion. Given the scale of the project – which is designed to form a major plank of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it forms part of another five corridors that deliver infrastructure development in more than 65 countries, accounting for 60% of the world’s population and 40% of global GDP.
The strategic alliance between Pakistan and China, driven by regional proximity and shared concerns, has been the most important feature of their relationship since as long ago as the early 1960s. During recent decades, however, the feeling has grown in both countries that the strategic partnership they wish to pursue will only be successful if they work together much more closely in economic terms.
2018: PRSS-11 & PAKTES-1A ready to launch
Launched on July 9, 2018, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China, these satellites represent major achievements in Pakistan’s space capabilities.
PRSS-1 has provided crucial data for environmental monitoring, resource management, and disaster response. It can provide credible imagery for management and planning. Meanwhile, PakTES-1A, designed and developed indigenously, has demonstrated Pakistan’s growing expertise in satellite technology.
2024: Pakistan Launches First Moon Mission iCube – Qamar.
The satellite, part of China’s Chang’e-6 lunar mission, was launched from the Hainan province on May 3 and successfully entered the moon’s orbit at 1:14 pm on May 8. The moon is at an average distance of 384,400km from the Earth.
The lunar module was designed by Islamabad’s Institute of Space Technology (IST) in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University (SJTU) and Pakistan’s national space agency Suparco. The iCube-Q orbiter carries two optical cameras to image the lunar surface. The module is a cube satellite or cubesat — miniature satellites typically characterised by their small size and standardized cubic design.
Due to their compact size and relatively low cost compared to traditional satellites, CubeSats offered opportunities for universities, research institutions, and commercial entities to participate in space missions and gather valuable data for scientific advancement and innovation.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s journey from its turbulent beginnings to the present day, we see a story of incredible spirit and evolution. The country’s history is marked by challenges and triumphs, each shaping its identity and future. As Pakistan moves forward, it carries with it the lessons of its past and the hopes for a brighter tomorrow. This blend of historical depth and future ambition creates a tale that is as dynamic and evolving as the nation itself, promising a future built on the strong foundation of its rich and complex history.
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