The Zakat and Usher Ordinance, 1980 was promulgated in Pakistan on June 20, 1980. This ordinance aimed to make provisions related to the assessment, collection, and disbursement of Zakat and Ushr (a form of religious tax). The basic purpose of this law was to provide for the implementation of Islamic precepts in Pakistan, which is an Islamic State . The Zakat and Usher Department was established as a result of this ordinance to oversee the administration and management of Zakat and Ushr funds, ensuring their proper utilization for assisting the needy, indigent, and poor in accordance with Islamic principles.

1. First Martial Law (1958):
   • On October 7, 1958, President Iskandar Mirza imposed the first martial law in Pakistan.
   • Major General Iskander Mirza, who had served as Governor-General, initiated this period of military rule.
   • General Ayub Khan became the first Marshal of Pakistan during this time and held authority for about four years.
   • In 1962, Ayub Khan lifted martial law and restored a presidential form of government.
2. Second Martial Law (1969):
   • On March 25, 1969, General Yahya Khan, Pakistan’s Army Chief, declared the second martial law.
   • He dissolved the assemblies and assumed the role of President.
   • General Yahya Khan issued provisional constitution orders, consolidating power in his hands.
   • Later, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto took over martial law administration in 1971.
3. Third Martial Law (1977):
   • General Zia ul Haq implemented the third martial law after the rule of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
   • During this period, political parties were banned, and national and provincial assemblies were dissolved.
   • The imposition of martial law in 1977 had significant implications for Pakistan’s political landscape.
4. Fourth Martial Law (1999):
   • On October 12, 1999, General Pervez Musharraf seized power in Pakistan through a military coup.
   • He suspended the constitution, dissolved the assemblies, and assumed control.
   • General Musharraf remained in power until 2008.

These periods of martial law significantly impacted Pakistan’s governance, political stability, and constitutional development.

Pakistan’s first Commander-in-Chief was General Frank Messervy. He assumed this position on August 15, 1947, immediately after Pakistan gained independence. General Messervy, a British officer, played a crucial role in organizing and training the newly formed Pakistan Army during its early days. His leadership set the foundation for the country’s military establishment.

The first Khilafat Conference took place in Delhi in November 1919. During this significant event, leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Abul Kalam Azad participated. The conference was organized by the All India Khilafat Committee, which had been formed in July 1919 in Bombay. Its primary objective was to address the grievances related to British policy against Turkey and the planned dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire after World War I by the Allied forces. Notably, the Khilafat Movement also aimed to promote Hindu-Muslim unity while advocating for the protection of the Caliphate

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

The mountain pass that connects Chitral with Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) is known as the Lowari Pass or Lowari Top. This pass is located at an elevation of 10,230 feet above sea level, making it the lowest pass to enter Chitral. Other passes to enter Chitral are much higher, ranging from 12,000 to 15,000 feet. The Lowari Pass is an essential route for trade and travel between Chitral and Dir, as well as for access to other parts of Pakistan. However, during the winter months, the pass is often closed due to heavy snowfall, which can cause avalanches and make the road dangerous. To address this issue, the Government of Pakistan initiated the construction of a tunnel through the Lowari Pass in 2005. The tunnel, which is over 8 kilometers long, was finally completed in 2017 and has significantly improved travel between Chitral and Dir, particularly during winter. Prior to the tunnel’s construction, the journey over the pass was challenging and hazardous, with narrow, winding roads prone to landslides and other hazards. The completion of the Lowari Pass Tunnel has had a significant impact on the people of Chitral and Dir, improving access to healthcare, education, and other essential services.

The Chauri Chaura Incident occurred on February 4, 1922, in the Gorakhpur district of United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) in British India. During this significant event, a large group of protesters participating in the Non-cooperation movement faced police action. The police opened fire on the demonstrators, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and 23 policemen. In retaliation, the protesters attacked and set fire to a police station, killing all of its occupants. This tragic incident led to Mahatma Gandhi halting the Non-Cooperation Movement on a national level as a direct consequence. The British colonial authorities arrested demonstrators, sentencing 19 of them to death and 14 to life imprisonment

The Constituent Assembly of India was elected to write the Constitution of India, and it served as the nation’s first Parliament after India gained independence in 1947. This historic assembly was established through negotiations between leaders of the Indian independence movement and members of the British Cabinet Mission.

Here are some key details about the Constituent Assembly:

• Formation: The idea of a Constituent Assembly was proposed as early as 1934 by M.N. Roy. However, it was officially created in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan.
• Purpose: The Constituent Assembly’s primary purpose was to draft India’s Constitution.
• Composition:
  • It consisted of indirectly elected representatives from various regions.
  • The total membership was 389, including 292 representatives from the provinces, 93 from princely states, and 4 from chief commissioner provinces (Delhi, Ajmer-Merwara, Coorg, and British Baluchistan).
• Elections:
  • Elections for the 296 seats assigned to the British Indian provinces were completed by August 1946.
  • The Indian National Congress won 208 seats, and the Muslim League secured 73 seats.
• Drafting the Constitution:
  • The Constitution of India was meticulously drafted by the Constituent Assembly.
  • It was implemented under the Cabinet Mission Plan on May 16, 1946.
• Historical Significance:
  • The Constituent Assembly’s work laid the foundation for India’s democratic and constitutional framework.
  • It reflected the aspirations, diversity, and vision of a newly independent nation.

The Constituent Assembly’s efforts resulted in the remarkable document that shapes India’s governance, rights, and principles to this day.

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.

Pakistan was formally admitted as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on June 9, 2017, during the 17th Meeting of the Heads of State Council of SCO in Astana, Kazakhstan. This historic occasion was marked by congratulations from all the Heads of the family members of SCO, including President Xi Jinping of China, President Vladimir Putin, and President Nursultan Nazarbayev. The SCO, established in June 2001, comprises founding members such as Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Its principles emphasize mutual trust, equality, respect for cultural diversity, and a desire for common development. Pakistan had been an Observer in the SCO since 2005 and was the first Observer state to apply for full membership in 2010. After a Memorandum of Obligations was signed in 2016, Pakistan successfully completed all the steps required for full membership, including accession to SCO instruments. This milestone strengthens Pakistan’s cooperation with SCO member states, advances regional peace, stability, and development, and enables a more effective role in regional cooperation against terrorism and extremism. Additionally, Pakistan’s inclusion in the SCO, alongside India, brings the total population of the organization to 45 percent of the world’s population, accounting for 25 percent of the world’s GDP. Through its presence in the SCO Secretariat in Beijing and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent, Pakistan aims to play an effective role in the organization’s activities

The ruins of Harappa, an archaeological site, lie in the Sahiwal District of Punjab, Pakistan. Harappa is approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) north of the city of Sahiwal. The ancient city of Harappa was a significant center during the Bronze Age Harappan civilization, which is now more commonly referred to as the Indus Valley Civilization. The name “Harappa” is derived from a modern village near the former course of the Ravi River, which has since shifted its course about 8 kilometers (5.0 miles) to the north. The core of the Harappan civilization extended across a vast area, spanning from Gujarat in the south to Sindh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana.

The Lucknow Pact was an agreement reached between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League (AIML) at a joint session of both parties held in Lucknow in December 1916. Through this pact, the two parties agreed to allow representation to religious minorities in the provincial legislatures. The Muslim League leaders also agreed to join the Congress movement demanding Indian autonomy. This historic event marked an example of consociational practice in Indian politics.

Tarbela Dam, the largest earth-filled dam in the world, is situated along the Indus River in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Specifically, it is located mainly in the Swabi District and the Tehsil Topi of the province. The dam lies approximately 20 kilometers (10 miles) from the city of Swabi, 105 kilometers (65 miles) northwest of Islamabad, and 125 kilometers (80 miles) east of Peshawar. With a height of 143 meters (470 feet) above the riverbed, the reservoir created by Tarbela Dam—known as Tarbela Lake—covers an impressive surface area of approximately 250 square kilometers (97 square miles). The dam was completed in 1976 and serves multiple purposes, including water storage, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.

• On August 29, 1963, China and Pakistan signed an Air Transport/Civil Aviation Agreement.
• This agreement allowed for the operation of flights between both countries into their respective territories.
• It facilitated air travel and cargo transportation, strengthening bilateral ties.

The Bogra formula, presented before the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on October 7, 1953, is also known as the Muhammad Ali Bogra Formula. This constitutional proposal aimed to achieve an agreement on a workable constitution for the country. Here are the major features of the Bogra formula:

1. Bicameral Legislature:
   • The federal legislature would comprise two houses:
     • The House of Units: It would have a total strength of 50 members, equally divided among five units: East Bengal, Punjab, NWFP, Frontier States, Sindh, and Khairpur, Balochistan.
     • The House of People: It would consist of 300 members, allocated among the five units as follows:
       • East Bengal: 165 members
       • Punjab: 75 members
       • NWFP: 13 members
       • Sindh: 19 members
       • State of Khairpur: 1 member
       • Balochistan: 3 members
       • Bahawalpur State: 7 members
   • Both houses would have equal powers in all matters.
2. Principle of Parity:
   • The formula maintained the principle of parity between East and West Pakistan in the combined Houses, with 175 seats for each zone.
   • In total, both wings were to have 175 seats each in the two Houses of the Legislative Assembly.
3. Supreme Court’s Role:
   • Instead of the Board of Ulama, the Supreme Court was given the power to decide if a law was in accordance with the basic teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
4. Presidential Elections:
   • The two houses of the Legislative Assembly formed the Electoral College for the Presidential elections.
   • The President would be elected for a term of 5 years.

The Bogra formula received enthusiastic support, although there were points of criticism. Despite the parliamentary division on the response to the formula, it played a significant role in Pakistan’s constitutional journey.

The Baz Nama, also known as The Book of Falconry, was authored by Khushal Khan Khatak, the renowned Afghan national poet. This treatise on falconry was written in verse and is considered a significant work in the field. Khushal Khan Khatak (1613-1689) was not only a poet but also a warrior who served the Mughal Empire. His writings, primarily in Pashto, laid the foundation for modern Afghan literature. The Baz Nama is unique for its poetic form, maintaining systematic exposition and professionalism while discussing falconry. It is concise, cogent, and down-to-earth in style and diction. The manuscript containing the Baz Nama was copied within a year of the author’s passing, adding to its textual authority.

The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), commonly known as FATA, were a semi-autonomous tribal region in north-western Pakistan. They existed from 1947 until being merged with the neighboring province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018 through the Twenty-fifth amendment to the constitution of Pakistan. FATA comprised seven tribal agencies (districts) and six frontier regions, directly governed by the federal government through a special set of laws called the Frontier Crimes Regulations. The total area of FATA was approximately 27,220 square kilometers (10,510 square miles)

The Simla Deputation, led by Sir Agha Khan III, convened with Viceroy Lord Minto at the Viceregal Lodge in Simla on October 1, 1906. This gathering comprised 35 prominent Indian Muslim leaders who aimed to advocate for greater political representation for Muslims in India. The deputation capitalized on the liberal values of the newly-appointed Viceroy and his Secretary of State, John Morley, following the election of the Liberals in the 1906 United Kingdom general election. The British administration sought to use Indian Muslims as a counterbalance against the Indian National Congress and Hindu nationalism, while the Muslim leaders, particularly those associated with Aligarh Muslim University, aimed to secure more political influence for themselves. Lord Minto, sympathetic to the Muslims’ demands, incorporated many of their requests into law through the Indian Councils Act of 1909. Additionally, the Simla Deputation indirectly paved the way for the creation of the All-India Muslim League later that year, as its leaders drafted the League’s constitution during the All India Muhammadan Educational Conference . This historic event played a pivotal role in shaping India’s political landscape during the early 20th century.

The 3rd June Plan, also known as the Mountbatten Plan, was announced by Lord Mountbatten, India’s last Viceroy, on June 3, 1947. Here are the key points about this significant plan:

• The plan declared that India would be splitting into two nations after its independence: India and Pakistan.
• The division came into effect on August 15, 1947.
• The plan granted autonomy and sovereignty to both India and Pakistan, allowing them to form their own constitutions.
• Princely states, such as Jammu and Kashmir, were given the choice to either remain independent or join India or Pakistan.
• Unlike the earlier Dickie Bird Plan, the 3rd June Plan was accepted by both the Congress and the Muslim League.
• The Indian Independence Act of 1947, which was passed in the British Parliament, was drafted based on the Mountbatten Plan.
• According to this plan, the British monarch would no longer use the title ‘Emperor of India’, and the British Parliament could not enact any law binding on either of the two nations.
• Until the formation of new constitutions, the Governor-General was made a constitutional head, responsible for assenting to laws passed by the constituent assemblies of both nations.

The 3rd June Plan played a crucial role in shaping the course of India’s independence and the subsequent creation of Pakistan.