Din-e-ilahi was a system of religious beliefs introduced by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1582. His idea was to combine Islam and Hinduism into one faith, but also to add aspects of Christianity, Zoroastrianism and Jainism.

The East India Company, also known as the British East India Company, was established by royal charter on December 31, 1600. Initially, it operated as a monopolistic trading body, focusing on trade with East and Southeast Asia and India. Over time, the company became deeply involved in politics and acted as an agent of British imperialism in India from the early 18th century to the mid-19th century. Its activities extended beyond India, including trade in China during the 19th century.

According to a recent report published by the World Health Organization, Pakistan ranks 122 (globally) in terms of the quality and reach of its healthcare systems; much behind even some of the far less developed countries such as Lithuania (73), Libya (87), Fiji (96), Iraq (103), and Tongo (116).

In 1974, the Second Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan was enacted under the leadership of Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. This amendment officially declared Ahmadis as non-Muslims within the context of Pakistani law. Prior to this amendment, Ahmadis were considered Muslims. However, the constitutional change had significant implications for their religious rights and freedoms.

The amendment emboldened extremist groups, primarily Jamaat-e-Islami and Khatme Nabuwwat, who used it as a pretext to harass, attack, and even kill Ahmadis in Pakistan. It effectively rendered the Freedom of Religion guaranteed by the 1973 Pakistan Constitution entirely impotent for Ahmadis.

This historical decision remains a point of contention and has had lasting effects on the lives of Ahmadis in Pakistan. The Second Amendment not only declared Ahmadis as non-Muslims but also paved the way for the establishment of a centralized citizen registry. It granted the state arbitrary powers to determine who qualifies as a Muslim and who does not.

The persecution of Ahmadis continues to be a complex and sensitive issue, highlighting the delicate balance between religious freedom and state authority.

Nawaz Sharif became Prime Minister of Pakistan for the first time after the general elections held in 1990. He served as Prime Minister from November 1990 to April 1993. This was his first term as Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The battle in which Lord Clive defeated Nawab Siraj ud Daula and recaptured Calcutta was the Battle of Plassey. It took place on June 23, 1757, near the village of Plassey in Bengal, India. This battle was a significant turning point in the history of British rule in India, as it paved the way for British dominance in Bengal and eventually throughout much of the Indian subcontinent.

Article 25-A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan addresses the right to education. According to this article:

“The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law.”

The Cabinet Mission Plan, announced on May 16, 1946, aimed to address the constitutional future of India. Here are the key features of the plan:

1. Union of India:
   • The plan proposed a Union of India, encompassing both British India and the Princely States.
   • This Union would handle subjects such as Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Communications.
   • It would have an Executive and a Legislature constituted from representatives of both British India and the States.
2. Communal Representation:
   • In the Legislature, any question related to a major communal issue would require a majority of representatives from each of the two major communities (Hindus and Muslims) as well as a majority of all members present and voting.
3. Provincial Autonomy:
   • All subjects other than the Union subjects and all residuary powers would vest in the Provinces.
   • The States would retain all subjects and powers other than those ceded to the Union.
4. Background:
   • The Cabinet Mission was sent to India in March 1946 to create a Constituent Assembly that would frame India’s Constitution.
   • The Mission faced challenges due to fundamental differences between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League regarding India’s future.
5. Outcome:
   • Despite the Mission’s efforts, both parties remained unwilling to reach a settlement.
   • The Cabinet Mission Plan aimed at maintaining a united India, but it ultimately couldn’t prevent the eventual partition in 1947.

Remember, historical events like the Cabinet Mission Plan shape the course of nations, and understanding them helps us appreciate the complexities of our past