As Pakistan marks its 78th Independence Day, few may realise how the world reacted when news broke of its freedom from British rule after nearly two centuries of colonial domination. At the time, the international press prominently featured the story on front pages across the globe.

For centuries, Pakistan—then part of the Indian subcontinent—was among the crown jewels of the British Empire. This strategic region was valued not only for its rich resources and vibrant cultures, but also for its immense geopolitical importance.

Its fertile lands, abundant natural wealth, and vital trade routes made it a linchpin of British economic interests. The empire exploited these advantages to fuel its own prosperity, establishing industries, railways, and infrastructure designed primarily to serve colonial ambitions rather than local needs.