Pakistan since 1947
Pakistan has existed as an independent state since 14 August 1947. This period covers constitution-making, the separation of East Pakistan in 1971, successive civilian and military governments, large infrastructure programmes such as Tarbela and Mangla, and the growth of Karachi and Lahore into cities of many millions. Pages in this era carry dated, sourced facts only.
- Period
- 1947 CE to present
- Focus
- Independence to the present
Last updated
| Period | 1947 CE to present[1] |
|---|---|
| Focus | Independence to the present[1] |
Pakistan since 1947: overview
Pakistan has existed as an independent state since 14 August 1947. This period covers constitution-making, the separation of East Pakistan in 1971, successive civilian and military governments, large infrastructure programmes such as Tarbela and Mangla, and the growth of Karachi and Lahore into cities of many millions. Pages in this era carry dated, sourced facts only.
Timeline
- 1947
Independence
Pakistan becomes an independent state on 14 August 1947.
- 1960
Indus Waters Treaty
Pakistan and India sign the treaty allocating the Indus river system.
- 1971
Separation of East Pakistan
East Pakistan becomes Bangladesh; accounts differ on casualty figures and are contested in both countries.
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era
- British colonial period
1947 — Partition of British India
Colonial administration rebuilt the economy of the Indus basin around canal irrigation, railways and cantonment cities. Karachi grew as a port, Lahore as an administrative and educational centre, and the canal colonies changed settlement across the Punjab. The period ends with the partition of British India in August 1947.
Peaks
- K2
1954 — First ascent
K2 is the second highest mountain on Earth at 8,611 metres, standing on the border between Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan and the Xinjiang region of China. It anchors the Karakoram range above the Baltoro Glacier, and its steep pyramid shape, thin weather windows and severe winter conditions make it far harder to climb than Everest despite being lower.
Sources
- [1]Pakistan — Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed 2026-08-30.
- [2]Indus Waters Treaty — World Bank. Accessed 2026-08-30.
- [3]Bangladesh, history — Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed 2026-08-30.