Govt calls off Pakistan Day parade, associated events amid austerity measures

The government on Tuesday said it will not hold the Pakistan Day parade and other ceremonial events on March 23 in light of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and the resulting austerity measures announced by the government.

Pakistan Day — observed on March 23 every year — commemorates the passing of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that in the backdrop of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and the consequent austerity measures announced by the government, it was decided that the Pakistan Day parade and associated ceremonial events shall not be held on March 23.

“The day shall, however, be commemorated with dignity and reverence through a simple flag‑hoisting ceremony at appropriate levels,” the statement said.

“This measure is being taken to ensure that the resilience and unwavering commitment of the nation to the ideals of Pakistan Day remain aligned with the broader austerity framework,” it said.

“Ministries, divisions, and departments are advised to mark the occasion solemnly and respectfully, ensuring that the essence of the day is preserved despite the scaled‑down celebrations,” the PMO statement said.

Later, a post on the Presidency’s X account said: “President Asif Ali Zardari approves summary to cancel Pakistan Day parade and related events on March 23, 2026, in view of the Gulf oil crisis and austerity measures, on PM’s advice. The investiture ceremony has been rescheduled to 28 April.”

An investiture ceremony is held every year on March 23, where the president announces the conferment of national awards.

Last week, the government announced unprecedented austerity measures to cope with the situation that emerged due to the US-Israel war on Iran, which has led to a global oil crisis affecting various countries, including Pakistan.

The measures included a 50 per cent cut in fuel allowance for official vehicles and a four-day work week. It was also decided that 50pc of staff in the public sector would work from home; however, those providing essential services are exempt.

On Saturday, it was also decided that the employees of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and autonomous institutions under government patronage would see their salaries cut by five to 30 percent, with the savings to be used for public relief.

Reference Link:- https://www.dawn.com/news/1983051

Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan 全球丝绸之路研究联盟创始人兼主席

Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founder and Chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Islamabad. He studied engineering at Shanghai University in the 1980s, and years later he went back to China as Pakistan's science counsellor in Beijing, from 2010 until 2016, working on science and higher education cooperation between the two countries.…

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