Pakistan Independence Day — 14 August
Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day every year on 14 August, marking the events of 1947.
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Why 14 August?
Pakistan marks its Independence Day on 14 August, commemorating the creation of the nation in 1947 when British India was partitioned into two sovereign states. Under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah — revered as Quaid-e-Azam, 'the Great Leader' — the Muslim League had campaigned for a separate homeland for the subcontinent's Muslims. Independence came at midnight, with Pakistan celebrating on 14 August and India on 15 August; partition was accompanied by one of history's largest and most traumatic migrations. The green flag with its white crescent and star symbolises Islam and progress, while the white stripe at the hoist represents the country's religious minorities. Independence Day is a national public holiday observed with a flag-raising at the Quaid's mausoleum in Karachi, a change-of-guard ceremony, a thirty-one-gun salute in the capital, illuminated buildings and patriotic gatherings. It is a day of both celebration and remembrance of the sacrifices that accompanied the nation's birth.
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Quick facts
- Date
- 14 August (every year)
- Official name
- Independence Day
- Commemorates
- 1947
- Public holiday
- Yes, in Pakistan