Pakistan Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pakistan Dayیوم پاکستان |
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The Sherdils of PAF performing aerial acrobatics during the 2015 parade.
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| Official name | Urdu: یوم پاکستان lit. Yaum-e-Pakistan |
| Observed by |  Pakistan |
| Significance | Commemoration of Pakistan Resolution and Constitution |
| Celebrations | Full Joint Inter-Services military parade, conferring of national decorations |
| Observances | Pakistan (Diplomatic missions of Pakistan in other countries) |
| Date | 23 March |
| Frequency | Annual |
Pakistan Day (Urdu: یوم پاکستان, meaning Yaum-e-Pakistan) is a very important national holiday in Pakistan. It is celebrated every year on March 23rd. This day remembers two big events in Pakistan's history.
First, it marks the day in 1940 when the Lahore Resolution was passed. This resolution was a major step towards creating an independent country for Muslims in British India. Second, it celebrates when Pakistan adopted its first constitution on March 23, 1956. This made Pakistan the world's first Islamic Republic. A large military parade is usually held to celebrate this special day.
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Why is Pakistan Day Celebrated?
Pakistan Day celebrates the Lahore Resolution, also known as the Pakistan Resolution. This resolution was adopted by the All-India Muslim League at a place called Minar-e-Pakistan (which means Pakistan Tower). On March 23, 1940, this resolution called for creating a separate country. This new country would be a federation of areas where Muslims were the majority. These areas were in the north-western and north-eastern parts of British India.
The resolution stated that Muslims in India wanted their own independent homeland. They felt they were not treated fairly in India. Since then, March 23rd has been a public holiday across Pakistan. The Pakistan Armed Forces often hold a big military parade to mark the occasion.
How the Idea of Pakistan Began
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The All-India Muslim League held an important meeting in Lahore, Punjab, from March 22 to 24, 1940. During this meeting, leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah talked about the differences between Hindus and Muslims. They introduced the Lahore Resolution, which was a key step towards forming a new country in South Asia. Even though the resolution did not mention the name Pakistan, it laid the groundwork for its creation.
The resolution was proposed by Abul Kashem Fazlul Huq. It was passed on March 24, 1940, and signed by many of the Founding Fathers of Pakistan. The resolution said that no plan for a new government would work for Muslims unless their areas were grouped into independent states. These states would be in the north-western and eastern parts of India, where Muslims were the majority.
From British Rule to a Republic
The British government announced a plan to divide India into two separate countries on June 3, 1947. Pakistan was created on August 14, 1947. India gained its independence a day later. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who founded Pakistan, became its first Governor-General. Mr. Liaqat Ali Khan became the first Prime Minister.
Pakistan used the Indian Act of 1935 as its legal guide until 1956. That's when Pakistan created and passed its own constitution. While Pakistan's Independence Day celebrates freedom from British Rule, Pakistan Day celebrates when its own constitution officially began.
The Basic Principles Committee started working on the constitution in 1949. After much discussion and changes over several years, Pakistan's first constitution was put into effect on March 23, 1956. This was a big moment because it changed Pakistan from a Dominion (a country still linked to the British Crown) to an Islamic Republic. The Governor-General of Pakistan was replaced by the President of Pakistan as the country's ceremonial leader.
How Pakistan Day is Celebrated Today
The main celebration for Pakistan Day takes place in Islamabad, which is the capital city of Pakistan. The President of Pakistan is usually the main guest at these events. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, along with government ministers, military chiefs, and the chairman of the joint chiefs, also attend.
A full military parade involving all parts of the armed forces is practiced and shown live on TV across the country. During this parade, the Pakistani military shows off its strength and abilities.
The celebrations include a large military and civilian parade in Islamabad. The President of Pakistan leads these events, which happen early in the morning. After the parade, the President gives national awards and medals to people who have achieved great things. Wreaths are also placed at the tombs of Muhammad Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who were very important figures in Pakistan's history. Sometimes, important guests from other countries are invited to watch the military parade.
In the United States, New York City has held a large Pakistan Day parade for many years. Also, New Jersey had its first annual Pakistan Day parade in Edison and Woodbridge on August 16, 2015.
