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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pakistan Day \u2014 observed on March 23 every year \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A statement from the Prime Minister\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe day shall, however, be commemorated with dignity and reverence through a simple flag\u2011hoisting ceremony at appropriate levels,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis 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,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMinistries, divisions, and departments are advised to mark the occasion solemnly and respectfully, ensuring that the essence of the day is preserved despite the scaled\u2011down celebrations,\u201d the PMO statement said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Later, a post on the Presidency\u2019s X account said: \u201cPresident 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\u2019s advice. The investiture ceremony has been rescheduled to 28 April.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An\u00a0investiture ceremony<\/a>\u00a0is held every year on March 23, where the president announces the conferment of national awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last week, the government announced\u00a0unprecedented austerity measures<\/a>\u00a0to cope with the situation that emerged due to the US-Israel\u00a0war<\/u><\/a>\u00a0on Iran, which has led to a global\u00a0oil crisis<\/u><\/a>\u00a0affecting various countries, including Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On Saturday, it was also\u00a0decided\u00a0<\/a>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n