When does Pakistan celebrate its Independence Day ?
Every year on August 14, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day to commemorate the formation of Pakistan as an independent country and to mark the freedom of the Indian subcontinent, gained from the British rule in 1947.
How is the Independence Day celebrated in Pakistan ?
Independence Day is an occasion for the people of Pakistan to indulge their patriotic spirit, to sing national songs, and dress in the colors of the national flag. The flag of the country is proudly unfurled atop private and public buildings including the national parliament. The parliament house is also colorfully lit up. A ceremonial change of guards takes place at national monuments. These include the mausoleums of national leaders such as Muhammad Iqbal, a poet, and philosopher, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
One of the highlights of this day is the celebrations at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore – the place where the national leaders pledged to fight for an independent nation of Pakistan. The pledge to establish an Islamic republic as a soverign nation, separate from India was made on March 23, 1940; and thus Minar-e-Pakistan is fully lit on this day. Presidential address, concerts, theater shows, and national songs competitions are some of the other events held to mark the celebrations.
Why is Independence Day significant in history of Pakistan ?
The regions which now form the Islamic Republic of Pakistan were historically part of India. The idea of creating an independent Pakistan took shape following the events that occurred during the British rule. The political history of Pakistan began with the formation of the All India Muslim League in 1906. The League was a political party which was formed to protect the interests of the Muslims in India. Soon the league started to advocate the establishment of a Muslim nation, to ensure that the Muslims were not neglected in case the British allow self-governance.In 1940s Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, championed the Two Nation Theory, which demanded that the colony of British India be divide into two countries based on religious demographics. Eventually, the nation of Pakistan was born with two united wings East and West Pakistan on August 14, 1947. East Pakistan, seceded from Pakistan in 1971 following a civil war, and became present day Bangladesh.
What the flag of Pakistan represent ?
The flag of Pakistan was adopted on August 11, 1947. It was approved in the meeting of the Constituent Assembly which also functioned as the country’s first parliament. The flag continued to be used by the present-day Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The flag is inspired by the flag of All India Muslim League, and it is the creation of a designer named, Amiruddin Kidwa.
The Pakistani national flag features a green backdrop with a vertical white strip on the hoist side, and a crescent white moon with a five-side pointed star. The green field represents the Muslim majority of the country, while the white strip on the hoist side symbolizes the religious minorities, and the virtues of peace and integrity. The crescent moon and star are the symbol of progressive essence of Islam.
The national flag of country is referred to as Parcham-e-Sitara-o-Hilal in the national anthem, which means the “Flag of crescent moon and star.” The flag is hoisted on many special days including the Republic Day, Independence Day, and every year on March 23 when the government calls for a display of flag at full mast in recognition of the Lahore Resolution of 1940 and the Declaration of Republic of Pakistan in 1956.
Who wrote the national anthem of Pakistan ?
Qaumi Tarana, also known as Pak Sarzamin, is the national anthem of Pakistan. It literary means “national anthem,” and was composed in 1952 by Hafeez Jullundhri. The anthem was set to tune by Ahmad G. Chagla, who composed it in 1950, two years before the lyric were written.