How Life Was During the 1960s—A Throwback to the Mesmerising 1960s in Pakistan
(Bushra Shahzad, Karachi)
1960s
The 1960s saw the boom of women's magazines, with new stories and new sections being introduced. One of the most popular and new in the market was Akhbar-e-Khawateen. The term 'Khawateen', in its plural form, signifies the status of a woman. The content of the magazine was one of its kind, targeting women entering college, motherhood, or joining a new job or business venture.
What Life Felt Like as a Commoner?
The citizens' of Pakistan quite enjoyed the economic boom during 1960s. One of the major factors responsible for the progress of Pakistan during this tenure is the economic reforms administered by President Ayub Khan. These reforms aimed at industrialization, increased agricultural activities, up-to-date farming activities, high-quality seed usage, barring imports, and working on self-production
In addition, the main focus remained on infrastructure development, encompassing the construction of roads and dams like those in Mangla and Tarbela. The ratio of exports also increased, and money was invested in textile mills for export purposes. These activities around the state also increased urbanisation.
One factor that cannot be overlooked is foreign aid from the US during the Cold War period, as Pakistan received dollars for its geopolitical location and assistance.
The average annual GDP growth rate stood at 6.7% throughout the 1960s. In the fiscal year 1969–70, the poverty incidence rate also decreased and reached an estimated 46%.
From PIA Uniform Fandom to Copying Waheed Murad's Hairstyle:
The famous fashion designer Pierre Cardin was hired for designing the dresses of PIA staff. The slim-fit trousers and A-line frock soon gained popularity among Pakistani women and became a hit trend across the country. Another famous trend was the actor Waheed Murad's hairstyle that every barber displayed in their shop. Pakistani men quickly embraced this stylish haircut, embarking on a personal transformation and self-indulgence.
Life during the 1960s was quite in its heyday for Pakistanis for sure!