March 23rd: Pakistan Day

23.03.2023

Julija Stavar 

Team Pakistan Intern, 

Global Human Rights Defence

Each March 23rd, Pakistan celebrates Pakistan Day to commemorate the Lahore Resolution of March 23rd, 1940, which is the resolution of the All-India Muslim League for the demand and aspirations for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire (Dawn.com, 2023). It is important, and thus celebrated, because the resolution laid the foundations and basis of achieving a separate nation for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent that was under the rule of the British Empire (Aldroubi, 2023). Sixteen years later, on March 23, 1956, Pakistan officially adopted its first constitution, so Pakistan became a republic (Aldroubi, 2023). Pakistan Day however should not be confused with Independence Day, celebrated on August 14th, which is the day that Pakistan gained its independence from the British rule in 1947.

The commemoration started with a 31-gun salute in the capital Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in the capitals of the country’s provinces (Dawn.com, 2023). Usually, a military parade of the Armed Forces is organised, however this year it has been postponed due to bad weather (Dawn.com, 2023). Pakistan’s leaders, including the prime minister and president, all conveyed their greetings and congratulations to the nation. Prime Minister Shehbaz for instance felicitated the nation in a tweet and paid homage to the country’s founding fathers, meanwhile the President in his message to the nation recalled the achievements of Pakistan and pointed at the challenges and issues they are still facing (Dawn.com, 2023). President Alvi also conferred Pakistan’s civil awards to citizens and foreign nationals for their excellence and gallantry in their fields (Pakistan Today, 2023).

Sources:

Aldroubi, M. (2023, March 22). What is Pakistan Day and is it different from Independence Day?. The National. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/asia/2023/03/23/what-is-pakistan-day-and-is-it-different-from-independence-day/ 

Dawn.com. (2023, March 23). Nation celebrates Pakistan Day as PM, president invoke ‘spirit of service’. Dawn. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1743731/nation-celebrates-pakistan-day-as-pm-president-invoke-spirit-of-service 

Pakistan Today. (2023, March 23). President confers Pakistan civil awards on 135 individuals for public service, gallantry. Pakistan Today. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/03/23/president-confers-pakistan-civil-awards-on-135-individuals-for-public-service-gallantry/