Youm-e-Azadi or Independence Day is observed annually on 14 August, is a national holiday in Pakistan. It commemorates the day when Pakistan achieved independence and was declared a sovereign state following the end of the British Raj in 1947 (Twinkl.com, 2022)

The Colombo Plan Staff College wishes auspiciousness and happiness to its Pakistani colleagues as it joins them in remembering this special day.

The official festivities take place in Islamabad and commence with the raising of the national flag on the Parliament House and the Presidency followed by a 31-gun salute in the capital and a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals.

As the month of August begins, special stalls, fun fairs and shops are set up across the country for the sale of national flags, buntings, banners and posters, badges, pictures of national heroes, multimedia and other celebratory items. Vehicles, private buildings, homes, and streets are decorated with national flags, candles, oil lamps, pennants and buntings. The day begins with special prayers for the integrity, solidarity, and development of Pakistan in mosques and religious places across the country. Public functions including elaborate firework shows, street parades, seminars, televised transmissions, music and poetry contests, children's shows and art exhibitions are a common part of the celebrations. Along with flag hoisting, the national anthem is sung at various government places, schools, residences, and monuments on the day.

History

Independence Day is observed annually on 14 August, is a national holiday in Pakistan, commemorating the day when Pakistan achieved independence and was declared a sovereign nation, following the end of the British Raj in 1947 (Wikipedia, 2022). Pakistan came into existence as a result of the Pakistan Movement; the Pakistan Movement aimed for creation of an independent Muslim state by division of the north-western region of the South Asia and was led by All-India Muslim League under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The event was brought forth by the Indian Independence Act 1947 in which the British Indian Empire gave independence to the Dominion of Pakistan (later the Islamic Republic of Pakistan) which included the West Pakistan (present Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

Celebrations

Citizens of Pakistan celebrate Independence Day zealously. The colors for the day are the green and white of Pakistan’s flag. The country’s flags are seen everywhere and fireworks displays are enjoyed. Flag hoisting ceremonies are held publicly and at private institutions across the country. Schools and universities arrange declamation contests, art exhibitions, national song recitals, and sports marathons to celebrate. Special programs are also scheduled for the observance of this day.

The president and prime minister deliver special speeches, recalling the sacrifices of the nation’s forefathers who laid down their lives for the country. The district and local authorities actively plan and execute events to express patriotism and add colors to the day. Citizens participate in face painting, donning the country colors, dressing up elaborately, lighting fireworks, and celebrating all things Pakistan.

References:

  1. Wikipedia (2018). Independence Day (Pakistan). Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(Pakistan)
  2. Twinkl (2022). Pakistan Independence Day. Retrieved from: https://www.twinkl.com.ph/event/pakistan-independence-day-2022