Happy Independence Day, Pakistan!
Every August 14, Pakistan Independence Day celebrates the day the country was officially declared its sovereign state in 1947. The day is one of just six public holidays observed in Pakistan, signaling a day of national pride, history, and culture.
Pakistan Independence Day is celebrated nationwide with parades, fireworks displays, and flag-raising ceremonies. On a personal level, the day is a time for food, family, and friends. Along with the country’s population of over 230 million residents, millions of Pakistani emigrants and diaspora celebrate the day all over the world.
Remitly is immensely honored and grateful to celebrate Pakistan’s independence with our customers from Pakistan and of Pakistani descent. Along with in-person celebrations, one of the best ways to honor the day is to learn more about Pakistan’s history and culture.
A brief history of Pakistan Independence Day
Before its independence (or even its existence as a country), present-day Pakistan was part of what was known as the British Indian Empire, or simply British India. This area existed under British rule in some form as far back as 1612, when the East India Company set up trading posts along the coast of the Indian peninsula.
Despite being a large, contiguous piece of land, the British Indian Empire was full of an ethnically and culturally diverse population. By 1930, leaders pushed for a separate state in the northwest region of South Asia, comprised mainly of Muslims (compared to India’s population, primarily those of the Hindu faith).
In 1933, Choudhary Rahmat Ali initially proposed the formation of a new state called “Pakistan,” a name that came as an acronym for the five central units in the area:
- Punjab
- Afghania
- Kashmir
- Sindh
- Baluchistan
As India began to push for its independence from British rule, Muslim nationalists, led by the All-India Muslim League, pushed harder for their sovereign state. In 1940, this culminated in the Lahore Resolution, a formal statement for creating an independent Muslim state.
By 1946, Britain struggled to maintain control of British India as World War II had depleted the UK’s resources and general support. Combine that with continued unrest and rebellion from those living in British India, and Britain finally conceded by 1947, giving way to the creation of two independent nations: What we now know today as India and Pakistan.
While this didn’t mark the end of any internal or international struggles, the transfer of power occurred at midnight between August 14 and 15 of 1947, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah became the country’s first governor-general.
6 facts about Pakistan Independence Day celebrations
Pakistan Independence Day is a celebratory time. Here are some facts to help you learn more about the Aug. 14 holiday.
1. Pakistan Independence Day was initially on August 15
While the holiday is now celebrated on the 14th of August, it was initially celebrated a day later on the 15th. Part of that confusion came from the fact that the transfer of power technically occurred at midnight between August 14 and 15.
However, after 1948, that day was pushed back to August 14. This change partly recognized that the independence oath that Muhammad Ali Jinnah took occurred on the 14th. By comparison, India took its oath of independence at midnight on August 15, which is why India’s Independence Day is the 15th.
Furthermore, August 14, 1947, coincided with the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr). In Islam, this marks the night the Quran was sent down from Heaven to the world.
2. Green and white are the primary colors of the day
If you’re unsure what to wear, go with shades of green and white, which coincide with the colors of Pakistan’s flag. The green on the flag represents the country’s Muslim population (green generally has various associations with Islam). The white represents the other non-Muslim residents, which include Sikhs, Christians, and Hindus.
Interesting fact: Although the green on the flag looks simply like dark green, it’s an official hue known as Pakistan green.
3. Celebrations are a mix of everything for everyone
Pakistan Independence Day is similar to a lot of other independence day celebrations. The day includes a ceremony in Islamabad that involves raising the Pakistani flag and speeches from the president and prime minister commemorating those who came before and made immense sacrifices to achieve freedom.
Local organizations host various events to celebrate their patriotism, from festivals to feasts to fireworks. Schools and universities have song recitals, sports competitions, and art exhibitions.
4. It’s still a time for family and loved ones
And much like other holidays, Independence Day in Pakistan is as much about the togetherness of family and loved ones as it is patriotism. Family members gather, eat great food, sing songs, play games, and enjoy the holiday together.
5. It’s a night full of lights
As mentioned, fireworks displays are a part of the celebrations, but lights, in general, are an important symbol of the “bright light” of independence. That includes candles at home and oil lamps placed on window sills.
6. The day places extra emphasis on faith, unity, and discipline
“Faith, Unity, Discipline” is the official national motto of Pakistan. It appears in Urdu in the country’s emblem, symbolically depicting the three ideas: a wreath, a crescent and a star, and a scroll. The motto originates from Muhammad Ali Jinnah almost immediately following the founding of Pakistan.
Pakistan Independence Day celebrations in 2023
- In 2023, Pakistan will celebrate its 76th year of independence from Britain.
- The main celebration occurs in Islamabad, where the country’s Parliament and Presidential buildings exist.
- Green and white continue to be the day’s primary colors.
How to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day abroad
Even if you’re away from home, you can still celebrate Pakistan Independence Day wherever you are. Some easy ways to celebrate Pakistan and bring Pakistani pride into your home:
- The day is about spending time with your loved ones, so call your Pakistani family members, relatives, and friends. Let them know you miss them and care about them.
- From pulao to biryani, cook your favorite Pakistani dishes, and share some food with your friends.
- Send gifts, rupees, or packages full of mementos to your Pakistani family members.
- Many cities have Pakistani communities that hold festivals during or near Independence Day. Attend these local festivals and enjoy all the fun, music, and food they offer.
- Invite other Pakistani community members to your home for a meal and a night of fun.
Traveling to and from Pakistan might not be in the cards for you right now, but you can still have a fun, safe time celebrating the Independence Day of Pakistan, and if you want to send some money to your family back home, Remitly can lend a helping hand. Our money transfer services are easy, convenient, and secure, ensuring fast transfers without any hassles or complications.
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