Today is the 23rd of March (Pakistan Day). it is a public holiday observed in Pakistan every year. Every year we celebrate this day with great enthusiasm. Every Pakistani has an emotional attachment to this day. Let’s know why this day is so important to us.
What is Pakistan Resolution Day?
Pakistan Day or Pakistan Resolution Day, also Republic Day, is a national holiday in Pakistan primarily commemorating the adoption of the first Constitution of Pakistan during the transition of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23 March 1956 making Pakistan the world’s first Islamic republic.
The day also celebrates the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the Muslim League at the Minar-e-Pakistan which is called for the creation of an independent sovereign state from the provinces with the Muslim majorities located in the North-West and East of British India on 23rd March 1940.
Reason of its Importance
Pakistan Day is celebrated to honor the moment when the Pakistan Resolution was adopted in 1940, a resolution that is considered as one of the most powerful political movements in the world of politics.
The reason why it holds great importance for the people of Pakistan is that
It laid the foundation for the basis of achieving a separate nation for the Muslims of subcontinent
History of Pakistan Day
Let’s have a look at the brief history of this day,
The Subcontinent
The subcontinent was under the rule of the British Empire for over two centuries. The Muslim leaders believed that the Muslims were subjected to becoming a minority even after the independence of the Indian subcontinent.
The great Muslim philosopher, Allama Iqbal and the founder of Pakistan knew that,
The Muslims won’t be able to protect their fundamental rights once British rule ends.
23rd March, 1947
It was the second day of the seventh and annual session of the All India Muslim League at Iqbal Park in the magnificent historical city of Lahore, Pakistan. There were more than one million Muslims in all provinces. The meeting was by Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, great personalities like Begum Muhammad Ali Johar, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan, Chaudhary Khaliq al-zaman, Qazi Muhammad Issa, maulana Abdul Hamid Hidayuni were also present at the meeting.
Muslims of the subcontinent were thinking about their future. In the session, Sherbangal Maulvi Fazal Haq presented the resolution. The resolution showed that the Pindal echoed with the slogans of Takbir. The decision was unanimously adopted. The Muslims of the subcontinent were asking for reservations for themselves. Sometimes they asked for separate seats and sometimes they used to make separate elation. No step could satisfy Muslims politically.
Pakistan Resolution
Finally, on 23 March 1940, the Lahore resolution identified the destination and purpose. The independent state became the faith of the Muslims.
And with seven years of continuous struggle and hard work, they achieved their goal, the kingdom of Allah, Pakistan, come into existence. The resolution called for two nations, a new consideration in 1946, and a decision in the Delhi convention presented by another Bengali leader, Husain shaheed Suhrawardi, who showed only one kingship’s demand, will consist of Bengal, Osam, Punjab, NWFP (Khayber Pakhton Khuwa), Sindh, Baluchistan, and Kashmir.
The Muslim league named the resolution Lahore, but Hindi newspapers used the term Pakistan resolution for it. The Muslims liked this term more, and they started calling this resolution; the Pakistan resolution.
To keep on top of this memorial moment always fresh, the Minto Park was built in front of the kingdom mosque (Badshahi masjid). The name of this park was changed to Iqbal Park from Minto Park.
Every year on 23rd March (Pakistan Day), we celebrate the same memorial to refresh and remember the sacrifice of great people.
So that our new generation will be aware of these sacrifices and know the value of this country.
Celebrations of Pakistan Day
The day is celebrated annually throughout the country as a public holiday. The Pakistan Armed Forces usually hold a military parade to celebrate both the passing of the Resolution and the Constitution of 1956
The main celebrations are held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. The President of Pakistan is usually the Chief Guest also attended in public is Prime Minister of Pakistan alongside the Cabinet ministers, military chiefs of staff, and chairman of the joint chief.
Military and Civilian Parades
A full inter-services joint military parade is rehearsed and broadcast live by the news media all over the country. Pakistani military inter-services also show a glance of its power and capabilities during this parade.
The celebrations regarding the holiday include a full military and civilian parade in the capital, Islamabad. These are presided by the President of Pakistan and are held early in the morning. After the parade, the President confers national awards and medals on Awardees of Presidency.
Wreaths are also laid at the mausoleums of Muhammad Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah founder of Pakistan. In the very rare times, and significance, foreign dignitaries have been invited to attend the military parade.
In the United States, New York City has celebrated North America’s largest Pakistan day parade for decades.
Media Debates on Gender Issues
According to Arooba Lak in The News International, Pakistan Day is an occasion that expects introspection to take issues of retrogressive gender norms, negative social practices including gender inequality, gender-based violence, and societal retrogression in Pakistan seriously.
5 Interesting Facts About Pakistan Day
Five interesting facts about Pakistan Day are:
- The name of the resolution: The Lahore Resolution was later named the Pakistan Resolution
- The passing of Lahore Resolution: The Lahore resolution was passed on the third day of the three-day session held from 22 till March 24, 1940
- Minar-e-Pakistan: In the honor of this day, the Minar-e-Pakistan was built on the same place where the resolution was passed and signed
- Carving on the Minar-e-Pakistan: The contents of the resolution have been carved on the Minar-e-Pakistan.
- The First Constitution: The first constitution of Pakistan was also on the same day —March 23, 1956
Why do we observe Pakistan Day?
We observe Pakistan Day because:
- Muslims Got a separate state: Every nation has the right to have a separate state. We are glad that Muslims got a state where they could live freely and protect their fundamental rights
- Muslims displayed Unity: During the struggle for a separate homeland, the Muslims displayed great unity. The Muslim Nation portrayed a tremendous example of How a nation should fight together for their rights. We can celebrate this day to encourage the unity of Muslims during those hard times.
- Largest Mass Migration: After the Lahore Resolution was passed, Pakistan came into being, resulting in the largest mass migration towards their homeland
