Islamabad:Pakistan’s top athlete, Arshad Nadeem, has made the nation proud by winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. Not only did he secure the gold after 40 years, but he also set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters, surpassing the previous record of 90.57 meters set by a Norwegian athlete at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Nadeem achieved this remarkable feat on the night of August 9, marking a significant milestone as it is the first Olympic medal for Pakistan in 32 years, and it was a gold medal.
Here are other notable moments in Pakistan’s history when the country shined brightly on the global stage:
– **August 14, 1947**: Pakistan emerged as an independent state on this auspicious day, marking the beginning of a nation founded on ideology rather than mere nationalism. Its creation was considered a miracle, overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
– **June 7, 1962**: Pakistan became the first Islamic country to reach space. Five Pakistani scientists launched the country’s first space rocket from the coastal area of Sonmiani, making Pakistan the first Muslim-majority nation, as well as the first in South Asia, to achieve this milestone.
– **September 6, 1965**: Known as Defense Day, this date is celebrated for the bravery and sacrifice of Pakistan’s armed forces and civilians who defended the country against an attack by India. The 1965 war showcased exceptional courage and resilience.
– **February 20, 1974**: Pakistan hosted the second summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a significant event in the history of the Islamic world, promoting unity and cooperation among Muslim nations.
– **October 15, 1979**: Dr. Abdus Salam became the first Pakistani to win a Nobel Prize, awarded for his work on the electroweak theory. His contributions were pivotal in understanding the fundamental forces of the universe.
– **December 2, 1988**: Pakistan became the first Muslim-majority country to elect a female Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto. Despite her tenure being cut short, her election marked a significant achievement in the political landscape.
– **March 25, 1992**: Pakistan won its first ICC Cricket World Cup on this day, an achievement that remains a cornerstone of the nation’s sports history. Pakistan has also won the Asia Cup twice, the T20 World Cup once, and the Champions Trophy once.
– **May 28, 1998**: Known as Youm-e-Takbeer, Pakistan became the only Muslim-majority country to possess nuclear weapons, conducting successful tests in Chagai and securing its position as a formidable nuclear power.
– **October 10, 2014**: Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the youngest-ever recipient of the prestigious award for her advocacy of girls’ education.
– **June 5, 2021**: Pakistan hosted World Environment Day, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection and urging global cooperation for the preservation and restoration of the environment.
