Pakistan Resolution Day

Pakistan Resolution Day also Republic Day, is a national holiday in Pakistan to commemorate the Lahore Resolution of 23rd 1940 and 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. Republic Day parade by the armed forces is a common celebration for the event. The day is celebrated in the memory to commemorate the event when the Muslim League drafted the political resolution at the Minar-e-Pakistan (lit. Pakistan Tower) that called for establishing an independent federation comprising provinces with Muslim majority located in north-western and north-eastern region of British controlled territories in India (excluding autonomous princely States) on 23 March 1940. Since then, the day is celebrated annually at the national level as a public holiday and the joint inter-services commonly holds a military parade for the celebration of the event. The Muslim League held its annual session at Minto Park in Lahore, Punjab that lasted from 22 March till 24 March 1940. During this event, the Muslim League led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other Founding Fathers narrated the events regarding the differences between Hindus and Muslims and moved the historical resolution that cemented the formation of a nation-state in South Asia as Pakistan even though it did not actually mention Pakistan at all. The resolution was passed on 23 March and had its signatures from the Founding Fathers of Pakistan. The Resolution was seconded by Maulana Zafar Ali Khan from Punjab, Sardar Aurangzeb from the NWFP, Sir Abdullah Haroon from Sindh, and Qazi Esa from Balochistan along with many others. It laid down only the precepts, with the details left to be worked out at a future date. It was made a part of All India Muslim Leagues’ establishment in 1941. More significantly it was on the basis of this resolution that in 1946 the Muslim League decided to go for one “maverick” state for the Muslims instead of two.

The Pakistan Day 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 the awardees at the Presidency. Wreaths are also laid at the mausoleums of Muhammad Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan Day is a public holiday in Pakistan to remember the Lahore Resolution on March 23 each year. The word “Pakistan” was never used but the Lahore Resolution is considered a major milestone in the Muslim struggle for an independent state in undivided India. Pakistan Day festivals, parties, national songs and debate competitions are featured throughout the day, which sees many people spend time with families, friends and loved ones.  Pakistan Day specials are broadcast on radio and TV. Special prayers are offered for peace and prosperity.