Independence Day of Pakistan

Independence Day of Pakistan is celebrated on the 14th of August, on this day in 1947, the Dominion of Pakistan became independent from British rule, and joined the Commonwealth, ending the British Raj. The name Pakistan is a conjunction of two words: ‘Pak’ meaning pure in Urdu and Persian, and ‘Stan’ meaning ‘land’.

The fourteenth of August was selected as the national holiday for Pakistan. Viceroy Louis Mountbatten selected the fourteenth so he could be present in India for their Independence Day the following day. The separate states of both India and Pakistan were created at midnight on August 15, 1947.

History

Pakistan, traditionally a part of India was formed due to the ‘Pakistan Movement‘ which aimed for creation of an independent Muslim state through a systematic partition. The movement was led by the All-India Muslim League under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He served as the first governor-general of an independent Pakistan.

The partition of India took place in 1947, ending 350 years of British rule and forming the self-governing countries of Pakistan and India. The Indian Independence Act was decided for Aug. 15, but Pakistan came into existence one day earlier on Aug. 14 so the British viceroy, Lord (Louis) Mountbatten, could attend both ceremonies in the two newly formed countries.

Pakistan was created via an act of the Westminster parliament called the Indian Independence Act, promulgated on July 18, 1947. The first clause of the act clearly stated, “As from the fifteenth day of August, nineteen hundred and forty-seven, two independent Dominions shall be set up in India, to be known respectively as India and Pakistan.” However, the speech to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan by Viceroy Lord Mountbatten actually took place on August 14, 1947, in Karachi.

And since India had decided to hold its celebrations on the midnight of August 15, it would have been impossible for Mountbatten — who was still Viceroy — to be present in both Karachi and New Delhi on the same day. “Mountbatten administered the oath to Jinnah a day earlier in Karachi and then went to India.

Jinnah the Father of the Nation had said in his speech “August 15 is the birthday of the independent and sovereign state of Pakistan. It marks the fulfillment of the destiny of the Muslim nation which made great sacrifices in the past few years to have its homeland.” But Pakistan leaders decided to celebrate it on the 14th of August just as they wanted the celebration on a different day than India.

Suggested Read: Independence Day in India

Celebration

On this day, the national flag is hoisted on public and private buildings, residences, and monuments. Official buildings, including Parliament House, are decorated with flags. Prime Minister and President pay homage to those who fought for their independence.

The main official events will be held in the capital of Islamabad, including flag-raising ceremonies and a parade. Other celebrations, including parades, are also expected in major urban areas, including Lahore. The day-long festivities include special seminars, documentaries, music, and painting exhibitions.

Suggested Read: Important Days In August