Life Timeline
A chronology of his life — from Lahore to London to Vancouver.
A Life in Full
From Pakistan to London to Canada — each entry marks a chapter of his life.
Born in Lahore, Punjab
Aslam Hayat was born on 23 March 1933 in Lahore, Punjab, with family roots in Subhan Pur, Kapurthala, Punjab — a life that would span nine decades and cross four continents.
Born in Lahore, Punjab
Aslam Hayat was born on 23 March 1933 in Lahore, Punjab, with family roots in Subhan Pur, Kapurthala, Punjab — a life that would span nine decades and cross four continents.
Witnessed the Partition of India
Aslam Hayat was fourteen years old when the Partition of India reshaped the subcontinent. The historic events he witnessed in Lahore remained an important part of his personal memories throughout his life and informed much of his later writing on history and identity.
Witnessed the Partition of India
Aslam Hayat was fourteen years old when the Partition of India reshaped the subcontinent. The historic events he witnessed in Lahore remained an important part of his personal memories throughout his life and informed much of his later writing on history and identity.
Muslim Model High School, Lahore
Aslam Hayat completed his school education at Muslim Model High School in Lahore — one of the oldest and most distinguished schools in the city.
Muslim Model High School, Lahore
Aslam Hayat completed his school education at Muslim Model High School in Lahore — one of the oldest and most distinguished schools in the city.
Voyage to London by Sea
In the mid-1950s, Aslam Hayat made his first overseas journey — a voyage by sea from Pakistan to England to pursue professional accountancy studies in London. He passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and saw the coast of Tangier, Morocco from the vessel. He spoke of this journey throughout his life as one of the defining experiences of his early years.
Voyage to London by Sea
In the mid-1950s, Aslam Hayat made his first overseas journey — a voyage by sea from Pakistan to England to pursue professional accountancy studies in London. He passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and saw the coast of Tangier, Morocco from the vessel. He spoke of this journey throughout his life as one of the defining experiences of his early years.
Qualified as Chartered Accountant, London
Aslam Hayat qualified as a Chartered Accountant in London in the late 1950s to early 1960s — a professional achievement that formed the foundation of his subsequent three-decade career in civil aviation. His years in London also exposed him to international journalism, world literature, and ideas that remained with him for life.
Qualified as Chartered Accountant, London
Aslam Hayat qualified as a Chartered Accountant in London in the late 1950s to early 1960s — a professional achievement that formed the foundation of his subsequent three-decade career in civil aviation. His years in London also exposed him to international journalism, world literature, and ideas that remained with him for life.
Joined Pakistan Civil Aviation
Following his return from London, Aslam Hayat joined the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority — beginning a distinguished career in public service that would span more than two decades.
Joined Pakistan Civil Aviation
Following his return from London, Aslam Hayat joined the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority — beginning a distinguished career in public service that would span more than two decades.
Posted in Karachi — First Decade of Service
Aslam Hayat was posted in Karachi for more than a decade during the 1960s and 1970s. During this period he participated in the growth and modernisation of Pakistan's aviation sector while developing extensive professional experience in civil aviation administration.
Posted in Karachi — First Decade of Service
Aslam Hayat was posted in Karachi for more than a decade during the 1960s and 1970s. During this period he participated in the growth and modernisation of Pakistan's aviation sector while developing extensive professional experience in civil aviation administration.
Transferred to Islamabad — Senior Leadership
In the 1970s and 1980s, Aslam Hayat was transferred to Islamabad where he served in increasingly senior management and leadership positions within the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, ultimately rising to director-level responsibilities.
Transferred to Islamabad — Senior Leadership
In the 1970s and 1980s, Aslam Hayat was transferred to Islamabad where he served in increasingly senior management and leadership positions within the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, ultimately rising to director-level responsibilities.
Retired from Public Service
After more than two decades of distinguished service in civil aviation administration, Aslam Hayat retired from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority in Lahore. His career was marked by dedication, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to public service.
Retired from Public Service
After more than two decades of distinguished service in civil aviation administration, Aslam Hayat retired from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority in Lahore. His career was marked by dedication, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to public service.
Immigrated to Vancouver, Canada
In 1989, Aslam Hayat immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada — beginning a new chapter centred on family, writing, scholarship, community involvement, and lifelong learning. He left behind the life he had built in Pakistan so that future generations could have opportunity. He remained in Vancouver for the rest of his life.
Immigrated to Vancouver, Canada
In 1989, Aslam Hayat immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada — beginning a new chapter centred on family, writing, scholarship, community involvement, and lifelong learning. He left behind the life he had built in Pakistan so that future generations could have opportunity. He remained in Vancouver for the rest of his life.
Columnist at The Miracle Newspaper
From the 1990s until 2026, Aslam Hayat published more than 650 articles in The Miracle, Vancouver's Pakistani community newspaper. His writings explored Islam, Sufism, history, current affairs, science, literature, community issues, and personal reflections — a body of work spanning more than twenty-five years.
Columnist at The Miracle Newspaper
From the 1990s until 2026, Aslam Hayat published more than 650 articles in The Miracle, Vancouver's Pakistani community newspaper. His writings explored Islam, Sufism, history, current affairs, science, literature, community issues, and personal reflections — a body of work spanning more than twenty-five years.
First Hajj Pilgrimage to Makkah
In 1993, Aslam Hayat fulfilled the fifth pillar of Islam and completed his first Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah — one of the most important spiritual milestones of his life.
First Hajj Pilgrimage to Makkah
In 1993, Aslam Hayat fulfilled the fifth pillar of Islam and completed his first Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah — one of the most important spiritual milestones of his life.
Second Hajj Pilgrimage to Makkah
In 1997, Aslam Hayat completed his second Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, deepening a spiritual relationship with the holy cities that would continue through five Umrah pilgrimages in the years that followed.
Second Hajj Pilgrimage to Makkah
In 1997, Aslam Hayat completed his second Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, deepening a spiritual relationship with the holy cities that would continue through five Umrah pilgrimages in the years that followed.
First Umrah Pilgrimage
Completed Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in 2003 — the first of five Umrah journeys he would make over the following years.
First Umrah Pilgrimage
Completed Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in 2003 — the first of five Umrah journeys he would make over the following years.
Second Umrah Pilgrimage
Completed his second Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in 2005.
Second Umrah Pilgrimage
Completed his second Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in 2005.
Journey to Istanbul, Turkey
A major family journey to Istanbul, Turkey with grandson Zeeshan Hayat and family. He visited Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the historic sites of Istanbul — and frequently described this as one of his favourite international journeys. Over his lifetime he also travelled to Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Egypt, France, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, and the United States.
Journey to Istanbul, Turkey
A major family journey to Istanbul, Turkey with grandson Zeeshan Hayat and family. He visited Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the historic sites of Istanbul — and frequently described this as one of his favourite international journeys. Over his lifetime he also travelled to Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Egypt, France, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, and the United States.
Third Umrah Pilgrimage
Completed his third Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in 2010.
Third Umrah Pilgrimage
Completed his third Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in 2010.
Fourth Umrah Pilgrimage
Completed his fourth Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in 2013.
Fourth Umrah Pilgrimage
Completed his fourth Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in 2013.
Journey to Egypt — Shrine of Imam Hussain
In 2017, Aslam Hayat travelled to Egypt, visiting Cairo and the historic shrine associated with Hazrat Imam Hussain. He often spoke about this visit as a profound spiritual experience and considered it an honour to have visited one of the most revered sites in Islamic history.
Journey to Egypt — Shrine of Imam Hussain
In 2017, Aslam Hayat travelled to Egypt, visiting Cairo and the historic shrine associated with Hazrat Imam Hussain. He often spoke about this visit as a profound spiritual experience and considered it an honour to have visited one of the most revered sites in Islamic history.
Fifth Umrah Pilgrimage
In 2019, Aslam Hayat completed his fifth Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah — completing a lifetime of sacred journeys that totalled 2 Hajj pilgrimages and 5 Umrah pilgrimages.
Fifth Umrah Pilgrimage
In 2019, Aslam Hayat completed his fifth Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah — completing a lifetime of sacred journeys that totalled 2 Hajj pilgrimages and 5 Umrah pilgrimages.
Lifelong Student of Knowledge
Throughout his life, Aslam Hayat maintained a deep personal library and commitment to learning. He studied Quran and Tafsir, Hadith, Islamic history, Sufism, comparative religion, philosophy, physics, cosmology, world politics, and economics. He read extensively the works of Ibn Arabi, Abdul Qadir Jilani, Imam Al-Ghazali, Jalaluddin Rumi, Data Ganj Bakhsh, Baba Farid, Al-Razi, Kabir Helminski, Karen Armstrong, and Neil Douglas-Klotz.
Lifelong Student of Knowledge
Throughout his life, Aslam Hayat maintained a deep personal library and commitment to learning. He studied Quran and Tafsir, Hadith, Islamic history, Sufism, comparative religion, philosophy, physics, cosmology, world politics, and economics. He read extensively the works of Ibn Arabi, Abdul Qadir Jilani, Imam Al-Ghazali, Jalaluddin Rumi, Data Ganj Bakhsh, Baba Farid, Al-Razi, Kabir Helminski, Karen Armstrong, and Neil Douglas-Klotz.
Passed Away in Vancouver, aged 93
Aslam Hayat passed away in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at the age of 93. His legacy continues through his family, his 650+ published articles, his scholarship, and the preservation of his life story in The Aslam Hayat Legacy Archive. إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Passed Away in Vancouver, aged 93
Aslam Hayat passed away in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at the age of 93. His legacy continues through his family, his 650+ published articles, his scholarship, and the preservation of his life story in The Aslam Hayat Legacy Archive. إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Scholarship & Spirituality
Beyond the milestones — the scholars, mystics, and thinkers who shaped his intellectual life.
Technology & Lifelong Learning
From colour television to artificial intelligence.
Politics & World Affairs
Pakistan, international news, and public life.
Travels & Pilgrimage
Sea voyage to London, Makkah, Turkey, and beyond.
Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.