November 15, 1947
An Inter-Dominion Minority Board to protect the interests and rights of the minorities of India and Pakistan is set up at Karachi.
August 27, 1948
The Governor General declares “state of emergency” in Pakistan.
March 12, 1949
The ruling party sets the ideological frame-work of the future constitution moving – by the Prime Minister himself – the Objective Resolution in the Assembly. The Resolution is adopted after a stimulating debate. It envisages the observance of Islam and its principles of social justice, equality, democracy, freedom and tolerance leading to prosperity and an honourable place in the world. (It has been incorporated in the Constitution as its preamble).
January 24, 1951
Ulema unite at twenty two-point agenda for an Islamic State at a conference of different schools of thought at Karachi. Headed by Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, the conference is participated by 31 leading scholars including Maulana Maududi, Mufti Mohammad Shafi, Maulana Abdul Hamid Badayuni, Mufti Ja’far Hussain and Maulana Da’ud Ghaznavi.
January 21, 1953
Ulema Committee expresses dissatisfaction with the constitutional proposals.
November 2, 1953
The Constituent Assembly of Pakistan names the country as “The Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”
February 29, 1956
The Constituent Assembly approves the first Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan which is based on the Objectives Resolution of 1949. It ensures equal partnership between East and West Pakistan in every sphere – administrative, economic, and political.
July 3, 1962
The National Assembly adopts the government resolution urging to bring all laws in conformity with the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
President forms the Council for Islamic Ideology with Justice Muhammad Akram as its Chairman.
October 4, 1962
Former prime minister Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardi announces formation of National Democratic Front, a political alliance consisting of Jamaat-i-Islami, Awami League, NAP, Republican Party, Maulana Maududi, Nasrullah Khan, Mumtaz Daultana, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, Chaudhri Muahammad Ali and Col. Abid Hussain represent their parties in the meeting held in this respect.
July 2, 1963
The West Pakistan assembly passes a resolution recommending repeal of the Muslim Family Law Ordinance 1961.
July 1, 1965
West Pakistan Assembly adopts, without any opposition, a resolution moved by Jamaat-i-Islami MPA, Mahmud Azam Farooqi demanding that the drinking of liquor be prohibited totally in the province (East Pakistan).
December 6, 1965
The Islamic Ideology Advisory Committee recommends that the study of Islam be made compulsory for the Muslims from primary stage to the graduation level.
January 11, 1969
Jamiat-Ulema-e-Islam observes ‘Demands Day’ for the enforcement of Islamic laws in the country and takes out processions throughout West Pakistan.
March 14, 1969
Jamaat-i-Islami Amir Maulana Maududi, while addressing his party workers in Lahore, asks them to fight menace of Socialism.
March 29 1970
CMLA and President, Gen. Yahya Khan announces Legal Framework Order (LFO) provides for –
Islamic ideological basis for the country
A democratic system
Territorial integrity
Removal of economic disparity between the two wings and Provincial autonomy with adequate distribution of powers between the centre and the provinces.
April 13, 1971
Amir-i-Jamaat Islami, Maulana Syed Abul A’la Maududi writes letters to 39 political and religious leaders of the Muslim world informing them of India’s anti-Pakistan stand and aggressive steps against Pakistan.
December 10, 1971
World Muslim League, an international Islamic religious organization with headquarters at Makkah, appeals to all Muslims and Muslim organizations to launch Jehad against India in view of its motive to destroy Pakistan, a bastion of Islam.
July 28, 1971
President Bhutto promises an Islamic constitution.
August 1, 1971
The NWFP Chief Minister, Mufti Mahmud, announces total ban of gambling in the province.
April 30, 1973
Ahemadis are declared non-Muslim minority by Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
March 1, 1976
General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq takes over as chief of the army staff from Gen. Tikka Khan.
April 3, 1976
Anti-Zionism day observed in Pakistan.
August 10, 1977
All sects will be free to pursue their beliefs if PNA introduces an Islamic state, says Mufti Mahmud.
November 14, 1977
Rabita Alam-i-Islami praises General Zia-ul-Haq for reviving Islamic values.
November 28, 1977
Council of Islamic Ideology forms a body to formulate recommendations for Islamization of the economy.
January 1, 1978
CMLA, Gen Zia-ul-Haq empowers Supreme Court to declare un-Islamic laws null and void.
January 8, 1978
Jamaat-i-Islami Shura asks government to bring Islamic order.
January 28, 1978
Wine shops for non-Muslims: Mufti Mahmud opposes government move.
January 29, 1978
Teaching of Arabic language is made compulsory from class VIII upward.
March 18, 1978
Saudi Prince Bandir bin Abudl Aziz praises General Zia-ul-Haq for his Islamization efforts during his visit to POFs, Wah.
October 12, 1978
New education policy, stressing Islamic principles and Ideology of Pakistan, is announced.
October 6, 1978
PNA decides to launch a country-wide movement to reform society and level ground for the enforcement of an Islamic order.
December 1, 1978
President Zia-ul-Haq announces the enforcement of Islamic laws about rape, adultery and prohibition of wine.
December 3, 1978
Maulana Syed Abul A’la Maududi says that the formation of Shariah benches is the initial step towards an Islamic system.
February 9, 1979
Constitution amended for the establishment of Shariah benches in the country.
February 11, 1979
President Zia announces measures towards Islamization; introduces Islamic penal laws.
March 4, 1979
All laws to be replaced by Shariah, says President Zia in an interview with German television.
April 3, 1979
Khomeini is a symbol of Islamic resurgence, says President Zia. Sends felicitations on Iranians’ overwhelming endorsement of an Isalmic Republic in Iran.
April 11, 1979
Ayatollah Khomeini’s letter to President Zia: Calls for Muslim unity, says ties with Pakistan are based on Islam.
December 12, 1979
Council of Islamic Ideology prepares draft law for murder, Qisas, Diyat.
June 21, 1980
Zakat collection starts.
September 16, 1980
Accord on Zakat Ordinance amendment. Ulema from various schools of thought are consulted.
September 22, 1980
Three-phase plan to eliminate usury. Islamic Ideology Council issues details.
January 1, 1981
Steps for interest-free banking: Pakistan’s all the five nationalized commercial banks offer Profit/Loss Sharing accounts.
March 24, 1981
President and CMLA, General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq, promulgates the Provisional Constitution Order 1981 which will remain operative during the martial law. The 1973 Constitution is held in abeyance by this order. The order provides for the appointment of a federal council (Majlis-i-Shoora) consisting of such persons as president may, by order, determine.
April 13, 1981
President Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq issues the Constitution (Amendment) Order, 1981 enabling chairman Federal Shariat Court to associate three scholars of Islamic law to attend the sittings of the court.
June 22, 1981
President Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq while addressing the inaugural session of the reconstituted Council of Islamic Ideology, asks Ulema to prepare a draft on Islamic order.
October 18, 1981
Maulana Shah Ahmad Noorani asks President Zia-ul-Haq to convene a round table conference of all those parties which stood for the enforcement of Nizam-i-Mustafa in 1977.
March 19, 1982
Life-term punishment for desecration of the Holy Quran. A presidential ordinance is issued.
July 1, 1982
Enforcement of Ushr; modalities are finalized.
February 1, 1983
Islam and concepts of western policy differ, new set up in the offing; says President Zia-ul-Haq.
August 13, 1983
Marital law to be lifted after 18 months. 1973 Constitution stays but with amendments, President’s powers to be enhanced, determination to establish an Islamic welfare state; President Zia addresses Mjalis-i-Shoora.
July 27, 1983
Shoora approves Qisas, Diyat ordinance.
August 14, 1983
President Zia makes Nizam-i-Safat system for Islamic congregational prayers backed by state machinery.
January 1, 1985
First phase of Islamization of banking begins. Foreign banks to fully co-operate in Islamic mode of banking, says Finance Minsiter Ghulam Ishaq Khan.
October 2, 1986
Capital punishment for derogation of the Holy Prophet (PBUH); Senate unanimously adopts bill.
June 16, 1988
President Zia promulgates Shariat Ordinance making Shariah supreme law of the land. Muftis to adivse courts. Ulema to be appointed judges. Education, economy to be Islamized.
October 2, 1990
Islamic injunctions become part of law after promulgation of an ordinance.
May 11, 1991
The IJI Government presents the amended Shariat Bill in the National Assembly. The opposition including PDA, JUI and ANP rejects the bill in toto.
May 28, 1991
Senate also adopts Shariat Bill.
May 25, 1997
Pakistan recognizes Taliban government in Afghanistan.
August 28, 1998
Government places in the National Assembly a constitutional amendment bill to make Quran and Sunnah the supreme law. Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, says it will eradicate corruption at all levels and provide substantial socio-economic justice.
October 9, 1998
National Assembly adopts Shriat Bill .151 members vote in favour, 16 against. Prime Minister says the bill will end the law of rights.
May 11, 1999
Council of Islamic Ideology declares bank prize schemes un-Islamic.
February 4, 2000
Chief Executive, General Pervez Musharraf, defends “Jehad” and “freedom struggle” of Mujahideen who attack security forces inside Indian-controlled Kashmir. Speaks to American journalists in Islamabad.
October 27, 2000
World Muslim Congress (Motamar al Alim-al Islam) Executive Council holds meeting in Islamabad, decides to set up International, decides to set up International Kashmir Committee, urges Muslim states to boycott Indian goods, condemns genocide of Muslims in held Kashmir and Palestine. Secretary-General Raja Zafarul Haq addresses press conference.
March 21, 2001
Federal cabinet approves plan for imparting modern education to students of Madaris.
August 14, 2001
Government bans Lashkar-i-Jhangvi and Sipah-i-Muhammad.
August 18, 2001
Government promulgates ordinance providing for the establishment of Model Deeni Madaris. Aims to bring Madaris into mainstream.
September 19, 2001
Pakistan Ulema Council calls for Jehad against America and its allies if they attack Afghanistan.
Mansoor Raza is an independent researcher and could be reached mansooraza@gmial.com. The compilation is from various sources but primarily form chronology of Pakistan as published by Ministry of Communication in four volumes,. The publication covers events from 1947 till 2002.
Chronology of Islamic Laws – 1947 to 2009
