Pakistan Day (March 23): National Holiday Commemorating the Lahore Resolution

Pakistan Day — Not "Day" as in Daylight

Pakistan Day (Urdu: یوم پاکستان, Yaum-e-Pakistan) is a national public holiday observed annually on March 23.

Historical Significance

• 1940: All-India Muslim League passes the Lahore Resolution at Minto Park (now Iqbal Park), Lahore.
• Formally demanded independent Muslim state(s) in northwestern/eastern British India.
• Laid ideological foundation for Pakistan's creation (Aug 14, 1947).

Celebrations

• Dawn: 31-gun salute (Islamabad), 21-gun (provincial capitals).
• Parade: Joint military/civilian parade (Islamabad) — contingents, floats, cultural troupes, flypast.
• Awards: President confers civil decorations (Nishan-e-Pakistan, Hilal-e-Imtiaz, etc.).
• Public: Flag hoisting, illuminations, special prayers, TV/radio programs, school events.

Related Holiday

Independence Day = August 14 (actual independence 1947). Pakistan Day = constitutional/ideological milestone.