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Page 1
Pakistan’s
History
rd
23 March,
1940
Founder of Kashmirwala Group with the Founder of the
Nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah
March 23, 1940
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ON FRIDAY 23RD MARCH 1940, (3RD SAFAR 1359 HIJRA)
THE ALL INDIA MUSLIM LEAGUE UNDER THE
CHAIRMANSHIP OF QUAID-E-AZAM MUHAMMAD ALI
JINNAH PASSED AN HISTORIC RESOLUTION THAT
ALTERED THE MAP OF THE WORLD AND CHANGED THE
DESTINY OF MILLIONS OF MUSLIMS THROUHOUT THE
SUB-CONTINENT.
Sher-e-Bengal and Chief Minister of Bengal, Maulvi Fazl-ul-Haque moved the
famous Lahore Resolution. It was also the 27th Annual Session of the Muslim
League.
The Resolution was seconded by Chaudhri Khaliq-uz-Zaman, Maulana
Zafar Ali Khan, Sardar Aurangzeb Khan, Haji Sir Abdullah Haroon, Nawab
Ismail Khan, Qazi Muhammad Isa Khan, Mrs. Muhammad Ali Jauhar,
I.I.Chundrigar and Dr.Muhammad Alam. The Muslim Minority provinces showed
their support to the Resolution too. Madras was represented by Abdul Hameed
Khan, C.P. by the Abdul Rauf Shah and U.P. by Syed Zakir Ali.The session
started on 22nd March, 1940 and continued until 24th March. It was unanimously
passed the same day.
The Resolution consisted of 400 words and four paragraphs and was
presented in English by the Chief Minister of Bengal, Maulvi Fazl-ul-Haque. Its
Urdu translation was made by Maulana Zafar Ali Khan. The Quaid-e-Azam
delivered his speech in English for one hour and forty minutes to 100,000 people
from all over the Sub-Continent who had gathered for the occasion. During the
session, Mian Bashir Ahmed's famous poem "Millat Ka Pasban hay Muhammad
Ali Jinnah" was sung.
After the passing of the Resolution, Quaid-e-Azam paid tribute to Allama
Iqbal. According to Hector Bolitho's book on Quaid, "Iqbal is no more amongst
us, but had he been alive he would have been happy to know that we did exactly
what he wanted us to do".
The Quaid at another occasion said, " India is naturally divided into Hindu
India and Muslim India. Neither does there exist an Indian nation or a central
government. We do not want to injure the feelings of any other nation. We want
to defend the Muslim nation. We want to live here honourably and independently.
We prefer freedom of Islam and India".
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The Quaid strove hard to achieve a separate homeland for the Muslims. In
December 1940, he said, "Pakistan is not a new thing. It has existed for centuries.
The North-Western and North-Eastern parts of India are a homeland for the
Muslims in reality. In these areas, the Muslims should have their own sovereign
and independent government where they could lead their lives according to their
religion, culture & principles".
The Lahore Resolution, which later came to be known as the Pakistan
Resolution, passed the following in its text:
1. This session of the All India Muslim League emphatically reiterates that the
scheme of federation embodied in the Government of India Act, 1935 is
totally unsuited to and unworkable in the peculiar condition of this country
and is altogether unacceptable to Muslim India.
2. Muslims of India will not be satisfied unless the whole constitutional plan is
reconsidered denovo (anew) and that no revised plan would be acceptable to the
Muslims unless it is framed with their approval and consent.
3. Resolved hereby, that in the considered view of this session of the All India
Muslim League, no constitutional plan would be workable in this country or
acceptable to the Muslims unless it is designed on the following basis/principle:
Namely, that geographically contiguous units are demarcated into regions, which
should be so constituted, with such territorial readjustment, as may be necessary,
that the areas in which Muslims are numerically in a majority as in the NorthWestern and Eastern zones of India, should be grouped to constitute 'Independent
States' in which the constituent unit shall be autonomous and sovereign.
The adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards should be specifically
provided in the constitution for minorities in these units and in these regions for
the protection of their religious, cultural, economical, political, administrative and
other rights and interests in consultation with them, and in other parts of India
where the Muslims are in minority, adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards
shall be specially provided in the constitution for them and other minorities for
the protection of their religious, cultural, economical, political, administrative and
other rights and interests in consultation with them.
The Quaid, who spoke for nearly two hours at the sessions, said: "If the
British Government is really in earnest and sincere to secure the peace and
happiness of the people of this Sub-Continent, then the only course open is to
allow the major nations a separate homeland, by dividing India into autonomous
national states".
The Quaid meant every words of what he uttered. His mind was made up
and he never looked back. Seven years after the Pakistan Resolution on August 14
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1947, he achieved, with sheer dedication and determination, a separate homeland
for the Muslims of the Sub-Continent.
Originally, the historic session was held in Minto Park, now known as
Iqbal Park, in Lahore. A monument to commemorate the occasion, known as the
Minar-e-Pakistan, has been built there. It is located on the North-West side of
Lahore and is 266 feet and six inches high. The magnificent monument has 10
built-in pillars and 306 stairs. It is built on 55acres of land with a lake on the side.
The Minar-e-Pakistan was commissioned during the regime of Field
Marshal Ayub Khan in 1960and took eight years to complete. It's architectural
design was executed by a Turkish designer, Nasiruddin Murad.
Page 8
PAKISTAN FAST
FACTS
PAST –> PRESENT –> FUTURE
P
akistan is an Islamic Republic and its capital is Islamabad. Pakistan has
four provinces: Baluchistan, North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Punjab and
Sindh. Their respective capitals are: Quetta, Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi. In
addition to these provinces is the Federally Administered Northern Area (FANA),
which is divided into the districts of Diamer, Ghanche, Ghizer, Gilgit and Skardu.
There are also seven Federally Administered Tribal Areas. (FATA)
Pakistan has a federal structure. Parliament consists of the Lower House
(National Assembly) and the Upper House (Senate). Members of the National
Assembly are directly elected and their term of office is five years. The National
Assembly determines the major policy issues and passes an annual budget and
legislation. It elects the Prime Minister from among its members.
The Prime Minister forms the cabinet from among members of the
Assembly, and the Senate, Provinces have their own elected legislative assemblies
and Chief Ministers.
The majority of the members of the Upper House are elected by the Provincial
Assemblies.
‰
POPULATION
Pakistan has a population of over 130 million. At present, the growth rate
is 2.8 percent per annum. The major cities are Karachi(10 million), Lahore
(5.5 million), Faisalabad (2 million) Rawalpindi (928,000), Hyderabad
(800,000), Islamabad (340,286)
‰
CLIMATE
Pakistan has well defined seasons. Winter runs from December –
February, Spring runs from March – April, Summer runs from May –
September and Autumn runs from October – November.. Temperature can
vary across the country with very high and very low temperatures at varying
times of the year. During the summer on the plains, for example, the
temperature can reach as high as 45C. Between July and August, the monsoon
brings an average of 38 to 51 cm of rain to the plains and 152 to 203 cm in the
Himalayan valleys of Murree, Kaghan, Swat and Azad Kashmir.
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‰
RELIGION
Muslim (97%), Hindu (1.5%), Christian (1%) and several other minorities.
‰
LANGUAGES
The national language is Urdu, while the official language is English.
Some of the main regional languages include Sindhi, Baluchi, Punjabi and
Pushto.
‰
ECONOMY
Pakistan’s major exports include raw cotton and cotton products, rice, fish
and fish products, carpets and rugs, leather and leather goods, sports and
surgical goods. Major imports include tea, petroleum and its products, edible
oils, chemical fertilisers, milk and milk foods, agricultural machinery,
transport equipment, medicines, iron and steel. Pakistan’s major trading
partners are the USA, Japan, Germany, UK, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and
China.
‰
CURRENCY
The basic unit of currency is the Rupee, which is divided into 100 paisas.
Currency notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees are currently in
use. Coins of 25 and 50 paisas, and 1 and 2 rupees are in circulation.
‰
BUSINESS HOURS
Banks: Monday to Thursday and Saturday 9.00 a.m. until 1.00 p.m.,
Friday 9.00 a.m. until midday. Government Offices: Monday to Thursday and
Saturday 8.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m., Friday 8.30 a.m. until midday. Private
Business: Monday to Thursday and Saturday and Saturday 9.00 a.m. – 5.00
p.m., Friday 9.00 a.m. until midday. Sunday is a weekly holiday in Pakistan. It
should be noted that shorter working hours are observed during Ramadan
(fasting month)
‰
HEALTH INFORMATION
Yellow Fever vaccination certificates are required for travellers arriving
from endemic zones. Vaccination against cholera, hepatitis, typhoid and polio
is recommended. A malaria risk exists in Pakistan throughout the year in areas
below 2000 meters. All foreigners coming to stay in Pakistan for over one
year, require an AIDs-free certificate.
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P
akistan is country with a beautiful and varied landscape. From the
awe inspiring Himalayan mountains of the north to the fertile plains of the Punjab
and the stark desert of Cholistan, Pakistan offers every kind of environment
possible. It is a land of contrasts, of surprises, a richly textured melting pot of the
diversity that leaves a vivid memory in the minds of every visitor.
Pakistan is also a country with strong cultural traditions. Half a dozen
civilisations have flourished here and left their imprints. Historically, Pakistan is
one of the most ancient lands known to man. Its cities blossomed even before
Babylon was built; its people practised the art of good living and citizenship long
before the celebrated ancient Greeks.
The amazing history of Pakistan can be traced back to at least 2500 BC
when a highly developed civilisation flourished in the Indus Valley Area.
Excavations have brought to light evidence of an advanced civilisation existing
even in the most ancient times.
Pakistan owes its many influences to the countless visitors to the region.
Around 1500 BC, the Aryans came and influenced the Hindu civilization; later,
the Persians occupied the Northern regions from the 6th century BC up to the 2nd
century AD. The Greeks were also here, arriving in 327 BC with Alexander the
Great of Macedonia.
In 712 AD, the Arabs set foot in what is now Pakistan somewhere near
modern Karachi and ruled the lower half of Pakistan for two hundred years. It was
during this time that Islam took roots in the soil and influenced the life, culture
and traditions of the people, 300 years later the Muslims from Central Asia
arrived and ruled almost the whole Subcontinent up to the 18th century AD before
the British arrived to take control.
Modern day Pakistan is made up to four provinces: Baluchistan, Sindh,
Punjab and North West Frontier Province (NWFP). Within these provinces are
some of the most diverse areas in the world. From the ancient wonders found at
Moenjodaro and Taxilla, seats of the ancient Indus Valley and Gandhara
civilisations, to the northern mountain ranges of The Himalayas. The Hindukush
and The Karakorams, a mountain area unrivalled anywhere in the world with such
formidable peaks as K2 and Nanga Parbat; from the picturesque Swat Valley to
the bustling cities of Karachi and Lahore from the desolate barrenness of
Baluchistan to the golden beaches of the Mekran Coast, Pakistan is a traveller’s
dream come true.
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BALUCHISTAN
W
est of the Indus Plains is Baluchistan, the largest province in Pakistan with
an area of about 343,000 square km. Although it is bigger than the British Isles, it
only has a population of about one million, due mainly to its daunting arid
geography.
In the south of the province, Makran is almost entirely desert with low,
dry hills rising from 300 meters to 2500 meters in the north. In the west there is a
large salt lake, Hammum-I-Maskhel, and more expansive desert plains. This is
where the Chagai and Toba Kakar Mountain Ranges form the borders of Iran.
Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Baluchistan is outside the monsoon zone and has, with the exception of
the hilly and arid mountainous regions, a pleasant climate. In winter the
temperature falls to as low as minus 30 C while in summer it ranges from 18 to 30
C. The province has been influenced by the civilisations in the Indus, Dir and
Swat Valleys. One of the oldest neolithic sites (6000 BC) can be found at Mehr
Ghar just south of Bolan Pass. This culture faded away in 300 BC about the same
time that the Indus Valley Civilisation emerged.
Fierce and very independent, Baluchistan never really became part of the
Moghul Empire, but effectively remained an autonomous frontier tributary. In
India they fought the Hindus and gained some influence in the Punjab and Sind.
When the Moghul power declined they took on the Sikhs, the Marathis and finally
the British, who arrived in 1841.
S I N D H
K
arachi, the capital of Sindh, is the largest and the most populous city of the
Pakistan and presents an interesting and colourful combination of the old and
new. The narrow twisting lanes and alleys of the old city throb with life alongside
the wide metalled roads and elegant modern buildings. Within the city, talented
artisans with age-old skills produce handicrafts of exquisite beauty.
Karachi offers a variety of pleasant attractions: wide sunny beaches, deep-sea
fishing, yachting, golf and horse racing all-year round. Its restaurants provide a
wide choice of Pakistani and Western cuisine. Its markets and bazaars offer an
endless variety of exciting shopping, including indigenous handicrafts, rugs and
carpets of rate design and beauty.
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Karachi’s recorded history goes back to the 18th century when it was a
small fishing village known as Karachi-jo-Goth. With the development of its
harbour it gradually grew into a large city and an important center of trade and
industry. Its selection as capital of Pakistan in 1947 added to its importance and
boosted the rate of its growth and development. Although the seat of government
has now been shifted to Islamabad, Karachi still remains the epicenter of
commerce and industry.
NORTH WEST
FRONTIER PROVINCE
T
he North West Frontier Province, or NWFP, runs for over 1,100
kilometers (680 miles) along the border with Afghanistan. Peshawar is its capital,
and the Valley of Peshawar, fertile and well watered by the Kabul and Swat
Rivers, is its heart. This was also the heart of the ancient kingdom of Gandhara
and is rich in archaeological remains. The northern half of the province consists of
five river valleys running roughly parallel, north to south: the Chitral, Dir, Swat,
Indus and Kaghan.
These valleys are on the northern edge of the monsoon belt, and are fairly
green and partly wooded in their southern sections. Northern Chitral and the
upper regions of the Indus Valley are mountainous deserts, where cultivation
depends entirely on irrigation. The NWFP south of Peshawar is below the
monsoon belt and consists of low, Rocky Mountains and wide, gravelly plains.
The Tribal Area, which cover nearly half the province along its border
with Afghanistan, are autonomous regions governed by tribal law under the
supervision of the Pakistani government.
The Khyber Pass, the route from Peshawar to Kabul in Afghanistan, is the
feature of the province most widely known (and infused with remance) in the
world beyond. To visit the pass you need a special permit from the Political Agent
because of the trible dangers and official sensitivity over drugs and guns. The
PTDC at Dean’s Hotel run daily tours to the pass and make all the arrangements
for permits and escorts.
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P U N J A B
P
unjab, its name meaning ‘Land of Five River’s, is the richest, most
fertile and most heavily populated province of Pakistan. (Originally, the five
rivers referred to the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and Beas but the last is now in
Indian Punjab only, so the Indus is now included as Pakistan'’ fifth river). Over 70
million people live in Punjab -–more than half the population of the entire
country. Geographically, it is a land of contrasts, from the alluvial plain of the
Indus River and its tributaries to the sand-dunes of the Cholistan Desert; from the
verdant beauty of the pine-covered foot-hills of the Himalaya to the strangely
convoluted lunar landscape of the Potwar Plateau and the Salt Range.
The best time to visit northern Punjab is in the spring, from February to
April, and in the autumn, from September to November. Southern Punjab is
extremely hot in summer, so Multan is at its best in winter, from November to
February.
Lahore, the City of Gardens and the Capital of Punjab, is an ancient town
rich in historical monuments including some of the finest specimens of Muslim
Architecture: The Badshahi Mosque of Emperor Aurengzeb, The Wazir Khan
Mosque, The Shalimar Gardens of Emperor Shahjahan, Emperor Jahangir’s
Mausoleum and the Royal Fort of Akbar with its fabulous hall of mirrors.
Lahore is considered to be the cultural capital of Pakistan because of its
numerous colleges, places of learning, sporting activities and frequent stage plays.
The museum in Lahore is considered to be the best in the Subcontinent. It houses
the statue of Fasting Buddha besides a host of priceless relics. Lahore is at its best
in spring and Autumn.
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AIRLINES GATEWAYS OF PAKISTAN
There are five gateways of International Airlines exit and entry in Pakistan.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Karachi
Lahore
Islamabad
Peshawar
Multan
In addition of Karachi, Many International carriers flights direct from Lahore –
Islamabad to U.S.A., U.K., Far East, Middle East and Saudi Arabia, Africa’s and
Australia. BA/SQ/TG/EK, QR, KU in addition of National carrier P.I.A.. A most
modern International (Terminal Building) at Lahore and Islamabad is under
construction and will be ready in November 2000.
KARACHI AIRPORT
The Civil Aviation Authority has constructed a most modern passenger terminal
at Quaid-e-Azam International Airport, Karachi, to grapple effectively with the
growing air transport requirements of the approaching century.
Jinnah Terminal Karachi includes the main terminal with a building area of
approximately 79,000 square meters of functional, office and service space.
SOME OF THESE FACILITIES INCLUDE
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
An aircraft apron facility located north of the terminal building, totaling a
paved area of approximately 266,00 sq.meters.
Connecting roads to the National Highway and Jinnah Avenue for the
convenience of in-coming and outgoing traffic.
A utility building and connecting underground service tunnel.
The terminal also provides advanced technological systems and equipment in
the following areas:
Telephone, central control, security monitoring, flight information display,
CCTV , fire detection and monitoring systems.
Electrical, HVAC and DVOR systems, water supply, drainage and storage
systems.
Parking space for approximately 2,000 cars.
An international-standard Duty Free Shopping Complex.
An auto-electronic information system for guidance of pilots for precision
parking of the aircraft.
An advanced communication system based on Fiber Optics Technology.
Efficient flight information and airlines reservation services.
Page 15
•
•
Central air-conditioning and uninterrupted power supply system.
Close circuit camera and X-ray machines for the security of passengers and
the aircraft.
ARRIVAL
A busy thriving airport today is dependent on efficient arrival facilities, speedy
custom-check formalities and easy baggage collection. All these formalities have
been included at Jinnah Terminal, in both domestic and international terminals.
Travelers are handled at varying structure levels in the Terminal Building and the
layout is not only appealing and attractive, but negates confusion and crowding.
Transit Flight Passengers are accommodated at individual flight counters
specified clearly for more convenience and ease in Passenger Baggage Handling .
DEPARTURE
Departing from any airport in the world means a flurry of activity, which is
heightened because of strict airline schedules.
Jinnah Terminal has been constructed with a view to meeting the demands of
airlines and passengers alike with easy convenience and efficiency.
It has 86 counters in its huge Check-in Hall geared with modern equipment to
handle passengers speedily and efficiently.
THE SATELLITES
The terminal building is linked via connecting corridors to the satellites, each
having a total provision of eight passenger loading bridges.
The eastern satellites are devoted exclusively to handling international operations,
whereas the western satellite takes on domestic operations, as well as international
operations. This is achieved with a flexible arrangement of gates.
The two satellites supplement the departure lounges of the Terminal Building and
also provide shopping facilities and snack counters.
Page 16
FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS
OF
PAKISTAN
JASHN-I-BAHARAN MELA
February 1 – March 30
Mela means ‘Fair’ in Urdu – To be Celebrated this year in the Provincial Metropolis of Punjab,
Lahore. The fair includes competition in games like cricket, hockey, table tennis, volley ball, judo,
karate and kite-flying Stalls of regional foods and flowers will be arranged in various parts of the
city. Regional artists will also give live performances.
NAUROZE
March 21 – 23
Celebrated only in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, such as Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu and Chitral. The
event features polo, football, volley ball and hockey matches, along with folk music and dances.
PAKISTAN DAY
March 23
Commemorating the anniversary of Pakistan and the Resolution passed on March 23, 1940. There
will be military parades in the four provincial capital of Pakistan as well as Islamabad – the Federal
Capital.
MELA CHIRAGHAN
(FESTIVAL OF LAMPS)
Last week of March
Held for one-week outside Shalimar Garden, Lahore
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