When Pakistan's 'Coup-Loving' Governor General Was India's Republic Day Chief Guest

• Malik Ghulam Muhammad, Pakistan's Governor General, was the chief guest at India's Republic Day in 1955, a lesser-known diplomatic event.
• Muhammad had a background in pre-Partition India's administration, serving as a chartered accountant and financial adviser to the Nizam of Hyderabad.
• As Pakistan's Governor General, he dismissed Prime Minister Khwaja Nazimuddin in 1953 and dissolved the Constituent Assembly in 1954 with military support.
• The 1955 Republic Day marked several lasting traditions: the first celebration at Rajpath (now Kartavya Path), a permanent parade format, and the introduction of cultural tableaux.
• The ceremony also expanded to include all three armed forces and an Indian Air Force flypast, enhancing its scale and representation.

Why It Matters: India hosted Pakistan's controversial Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad at its 1955 Republic Day.