The pamphlet “Now or Never” was written by Choudhry Rahmat Ali in 1933. It was also titled “Pakistan Declaration: Are We to Live or Perish Forever?” In this influential pamphlet, the word “Pakstan” (without the letter “i”) was used for the first time. It was circulated to the delegates of the Third Round Table Conference in London. The pamphlet emphasized the demand for the recognition of the national status of the 30 million Muslims living in the five northern units of India: Punjab, North-West Frontier Province (Afghan Province), Kashmir, Sindh, and Baluchistan. It called for the creation of a separate federal constitution for Pakstan, which would be independent of the proposed Indian Federation. Choudhry Rahmat Ali’s vision in this pamphlet laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of Pakistan as a separate nation.

Actually, Pakistan has two official languages: Urdu and English. These languages have both been recognized as official languages of the country with the aim of unifying Pakistan’s solidarity.

Iran was the first nation to recognize Pakistan on the 14th of August, 1947. Moreover, the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was the first head of any country to come on an official visit to Pakistan in March 1950.

Pakistan is a multilingual country with over 70 languages spoken as first languages. The majority of Pakistan’s languages belong to the Indo-Iranian group of the Indo-European language family. Here are some key points about the linguistic diversity in Pakistan:

• Urdu: Urdu is the national language and the lingua franca of Pakistan. While sharing official status with English, it is the preferred and dominant language used for inter-communication between different ethnic groups.
• Regional Languages: Numerous regional languages are spoken as first languages by Pakistan’s various ethnolinguistic groups. Some of the prominent ones include:
  • Punjabi
  • Pashto
  • Sindhi
  • Saraiki
  • Balochi
  • Hindko
  • Pahari-Pothwari
  • Brahui
• Local Languages: There are approximately 60 local languages with fewer than a million speakers each.

The 2022 edition of Ethnologue lists 77 established languages in Pakistan. Of these, 68 are indigenous and 9 are non-indigenous. These languages vary in vitality, with some classified as institutional, developing, vigorous, in trouble, or dying. The linguistic diversity reflects Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and the coexistence of various linguistic communities.

The world’s highest polo ground is situated in a small village in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan called “Shandur”. It is 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level. Playing polo here can be challenging due to the low level of oxygen at such high altitudes. The ground is located on Shandur Top, often referred to as “The Roof of the World”. Each year, the Shandur Polo Festival takes place here, featuring exciting polo matches between teams representing the Chitral District and Gilgit-Baltistan Province. The festival spans three days, typically from July 7 to July 9.

The first elected President of Pakistan was Iskander Ali Mirza, who assumed office on March 23, 1956. His presidency marked a significant moment in Pakistan’s history as the country transitioned from a dominion to a republic.

Pakistan officially recognized Bangladesh in 1974, following international pressure and diplomatic efforts. The relationship between the two countries is now considered cordial. During the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, India played a crucial role in raising awareness about the atrocities committed by the Pakistani forces against Bengalis. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s global campaign highlighted the struggle for Bangladesh’s liberation and framed the context of the war, ultimately leading to prompt recognition of Bangladesh as an independent state after Pakistan’s defeat. Diplomatic relations were established in January 1976, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral ties.

The Khyber Pass is the pass that connects Pakistan with Afghanistan. It spans approximately 33 miles (53 kilometers) through the Hindu Kush Mountain range. At its highest point, it reaches an elevation of roughly 3,500 feet (1,050 meters), right at the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan was passed by the National Assembly on April 10, 1973, during the government of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. It was then ratified on August 14, 1973, making it the third constitution of Pakistan after those of 1956 and 1962. This constitution remains in force today and serves as the supreme law of Pakistan. It outlines the state’s structure, fundamental rights, legal system, and the establishment of institutions and armed forces. Notably, it designates the President of Pakistan as a ceremonial Head of State, representing the unity of the nation. The first six articles of the constitution establish Pakistan as a federal parliamentary republic with Islam as its state religion. Although it was enforced in 1973, Pakistan celebrates the adoption of the constitution on March 23 each year as Republic Day, commemorating when the first set was promulgated in 1956.

The highest civilian award in Pakistan is the Nishan-e-Pakistan. It is bestowed upon individuals who have rendered services of highest distinction to the national interest of Pakistan. This prestigious award holds a special place in the hearts of those who receive it, symbolizing their exceptional contributions to the country.

The fifth census in Pakistan took place in 1998. It was a comprehensive enumeration of the population conducted under the authority of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. This census provided detailed information about Pakistan’s population at the time. The previous census before this was held in 1981.  The most recent census was conducted in 2023, marking a significant event in Pakistan’s demographic record.

The Gandhi-Jinnah talks commenced in Bombay (now Mumbai) on September 19, 1944, and continued until the 24th of the month. These discussions took place directly and also through correspondence Mahatma Gandhi informed Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah that he participated in these talks in his personal capacity, representing neither the Hindus nor the Congress. The objective was to find a settlement for the Hindu-Muslim problem. Despite differing views, these dialogues were a significant step toward understanding and addressing the complexities of a divided nation.

Pakistan joined the Baghdad Pact, also known as the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), on September 23, 1955. This military alliance aimed to block potential Soviet Union expansion into the Middle East. Unlike NATO, CENTO did not have a unified military command structure but sought to create a line of strong states along the Soviet Union’s southwestern frontier, often referred to as the ‘Northern Tier’. The United States later became an associate member in 1959. The organization’s headquarters initially resided in Baghdad, Iraq, from 1955 to 1958, and later moved to Ankara, Turkey, where it remained until its dissolution on March 16, 1979. Although CENTO is considered one of the least successful Cold War alliances, it played a significant role during its existence

The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857-58 (also known as the Indian Rebellion) triggered a major shift. The British Crown replaced the EIC’s board of directors as the rulers of British India. The EIC lost all its administrative powers, and its Indian possessions and armed forces were taken over by the Crown. The rule of the country shifted from the directors of the Company to a Secretary of State for India, advised by a council appointed by the Crown.

The author of the book “Jinnah of Pakistan” is Stanley Wolpert. This unique and insightful biography explores the fascinating public and private life of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, from his birth in 1876 until his death in 1948. Stanley Wolpert, an American academic, is considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on the political history of modern South Asia. His comprehensive study delves into the complexities of Jinnah’s brilliant leadership, resilience, and determination in shaping the map of South Asia against all odds. Physically frail yet immensely influential, Jinnah gave courage, hope, strength, and voice to millions of Muslims in South Asia during a critical period of history. The biography takes readers on a journey from the bustling port of Karachi, where Jinnah was born, to various cities across the subcontinent, revealing both his accomplishments and human weaknesses.