Historical Events tagged with "pakistan"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Pan Am Flight 73 Hijacking at Karachi Airport

September 5th, 1986 38 years ago

Pan Am Flight 73, operating from Mumbai, was hijacked at Karachi International Airport by members of the Abu Nidal Organization. The aircraft was seized while on the ground with 358 people on board, including passengers and crew. The hijackers took control of the airplane, demanding the release of their comrades held in various countries. The situation escalated, resulting in tragic consequences for those on board, including hostages and terrorists alike. The Indian government worked to resolve the crisis while international attention focused on the unfolding situation.

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Politics & Government

Formation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

December 8th, 1985 39 years ago

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in December 1985 during a summit held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This organization aimed to promote regional integration, economic and cultural cooperation among South Asian nations. The founding members included Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives, highlighting the need for enhanced collaboration in a region often marked by conflict. The summit officially launched SAARC with a vision to foster peace and prosperity in South Asia.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Women Protest Against Zia-ul-Haq's Law of Evidence

February 12th, 1983 42 years ago

A hundred women gathered in Lahore to protest against the proposed Law of Evidence by military dictator Zia-ul-Haq. They faced violent police repression, including tear gas and baton charges, before being locked up. The rally was organized to challenge the oppressive legal framework and assert women's rights in Pakistan. Ultimately, their efforts led to the repeal of the controversial law, marking a significant moment for women's activism in the country.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Pakistan International Airlines Flight 740 Crash

November 26th, 1979 45 years ago

Pakistan International Airlines Flight 740, a scheduled passenger flight, tragically crashed near Taif in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia, killing all 156 individuals on board. The aircraft was a Boeing 707-340B and had encountered adverse weather conditions, leading to a loss of control shortly before its intended landing. The crash occurred as it approached Taif Airport, an area known for its challenging weather patterns due to nearby mountains.

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Politics & Government

Attack on the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad

November 21st, 1979 45 years ago

A mob attacked the United States Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, setting the building ablaze and resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The incident stemmed from protests against American foreign policy and support for the Shah of Iran following his removal. The embassy was heavily damaged, highlighting the rising tensions in the region.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Altaf Hussain Establishes APMSO at Karachi University

June 11th, 1978 46 years ago

Altaf Hussain founded the All Pakistan Muhajir Students Organisation (APMSO) at Karachi University, creating a political platform focused on the rights and issues of Urdu-speaking migrants in Pakistan. The formation aimed to address educational and social challenges faced by this community. Hussain rallied students, garnering support from those who felt marginalized. This initiative quickly gained momentum within the university and among the broader migrant population, providing a voice for their political aspirations and grievances.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Multan Textile Workers' Protest Shooting

February 1st, 1978 47 years ago

Paramilitary forces opened fire on protesting textile workers in Multan, Pakistan, resulting in numerous casualties. The workers were protesting for better wages and working conditions. The incident escalated tensions between labor movements and the government led by President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, exemplifying the struggles faced by workers in the industrial sector at that time.

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Politics & Government

Military Coup in Pakistan by Zia-ul-Haq

July 5th, 1977 47 years ago

Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq led a successful coup d'état against the elected government of Pakistan, overthrowing Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This resulted in the imposition of martial law, marking the beginning of Zia-ul-Haq's rule which lasted over a decade. The military operation, termed Operation Fair Play, was initiated following accusations of growing political unrest and administrative inefficiencies under Bhutto's leadership. As Zia assumed control, he imposed strict military governance that restructured various aspects of Pakistani society and politics.

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Politics & Government

Lahore Hosts OIC Summit Recognizing Bangladesh

February 22nd, 1974 51 years ago

The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) summit commenced in Lahore, Pakistan, with participation from thirty-seven countries and twenty-two heads of state and government. This significant gathering marked a moment in Islamic diplomacy, emphasizing unity among diverse nations. An important outcome of the summit was the recognition of Bangladesh, enhancing its standing in the Muslim world. The summit focused on various issues affecting the Islamic world, fostering cooperation and dialogue among member states.

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