Pakistan marked Pakistan Day 2026 across the country on Monday with traditional zeal and patriotic fervour. However, the government scaled back celebrations in line with austerity measures introduced in response to the ongoing Gulf oil crisis.
The day, commemorated annually on March 23, marks the passing of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, when the All-India Muslim League formally demanded a separate nation for Muslims of the British Indian Empire.
Last week, the federal government introduced austerity measures to manage the economic impact of the US-Israel war on Iran, which has triggered a global oil crisis affecting multiple countries, including Pakistan.
The day began with gun salutes in federal and provincial capitals. Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held nationwide to honour the historic occasion.
In Lahore, a dignified change of guards ceremony took place at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, where a contingent of the Pakistan Air Force assumed ceremonial duties.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, said Pakistan Day serves as a reminder that unity and solidarity are essential to transform national resolve into reality. He paid tribute to the country’s founding leaders and noted that, despite early challenges after independence, Pakistan has achieved remarkable progress, including the development of strong institutions, the attainment of nuclear capability, and the successful combat of terrorism.
Referring to recent operations, the president said the country had responded decisively to aggression during Marka-e-Haq and that operations such as Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq have yielded significant results.
He reiterated that Pakistan would not allow any group, including Fitna al-Khawarij, to use foreign soil against the country, vowing to eliminate terrorism and safeguard national security. He also highlighted the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as an unfinished agenda of partition and called on the international community to ensure Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said Pakistan had steered its economy toward stability despite significant challenges, citing declining inflation and improved investor confidence as signs of progress.
He described March 23 as a historic milestone that united Muslims of the subcontinent and led to the creation of Pakistan under the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He also praised the armed forces for their professionalism and sacrifices, noting that recent operations demonstrated Pakistan’s “impregnable defence and unshakable resolve.”
Furthermore, he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional and global peace, emphasising that a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute remains essential for lasting stability in South Asia, while also expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Armed Forces Reaffirm Commitment to Sovereignty
The armed forces’ leadership Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, extended congratulations to the nation, describing March 23 as a defining moment that shaped Pakistan’s destiny.
Read: Pakistan Day Parade 2026 Cancelled Over Austerity
In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military reaffirmed its commitment to defending national sovereignty, combating terrorism, and ensuring internal security.
“At a time when our nation continues to confront the menace of terrorism and extremism, the armed forces of Pakistan, alongside our resilient people and law enforcement agencies, remain united and unwavering in our resolve to eradicate the threats to Pakistan’s security,” the statement read.
The day was observed with renewed commitment to the ideals of the Pakistan Resolution, alongside adherence to broader austerity policies adopted in light of the global energy crisis.
*This report includes additional information sourced from APP (Associated Press of Pakistan).
