Pakistan Day: How 23rd March Changed History

March 23rd is celebrated across the nation as “Pakistan Day.” However, many people don’t know that it is more than just a “holiday” and has a very major historical context behind it. In fact, many are even divided on the day’s origin. So, let’s revisit the history and see what this day signifies.

Origin of Pakistan Day: The Lahore Resolution

To understand the significance and the origin of Pakistan Day (Pakistan Resolution Day to be more precise), we must first revisit the Lahore Resolution. The Lahore Resolution was initially drafted on March 23rd 1940 but was later publicised as the Pakistan Resolution.

The 27th annual session of the All India Muslim League was held in Lahore from 22nd March 1940 to 24th March 1940. In this session, the Lahore resolution was tabled and passed the following day, on March 24, 1940. It was in this resolution that the Muslim League officially demanded a separate independent homeland. Pakistan’s name was proposed this day and its idea was officially declared to the cabinet. Moreover, Muhammad Ali Jinnah showed to the whole world that he was the sole representative of the Muslims of the Subcontinent.

The “Lahore Resolution” was presented by the A.K. Fazal Ul Haque. The resolution stated that “No constitutional plan would be workable in this country or acceptable to Muslims unless it is designed on the following basic principles, namely, that geographically contiguous units are demarcated into regions which should be so constituted … that the areas in which the Muslims are numerically in the majority, as in the northwestern and eastern zones of India, should be grouped to constitute independent states in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and sovereign”.

Basically, Muslims finally agreed to the Two Nation Theory, that Hindus and Muslims are two separate people and that they cannot live in a single nation.

Earlier, the poet-philosopher, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, in his address to the Muslim League at Allahabad in 1930, had envisioned a separate homeland for the Muslims. Since then, the idea has touched millions of Muslims.

How Pakistan Day Became Republic Day

Many remember this day as “Republic Day” too but why? Well, once our country came into existence, this day was celebrated as Pakistan Day. This was because, even after Pakistan came into being, in the start, it wasn’t entirely independent. At least not until it had its own constitution. During this period, Pakistan had the status of a “dominion” — one of the self-governing territories of the British Commonwealth. Basically, we were still under our colonisers in a subtle manner.

To explain this further, if the Pakistani government had to make an important appointment or decision, it would require an approval from the Queen of the United Kingdom. Even in the most important decisions our cabinet would send the nominations for the Queen’s approval. It was then in 1956 on March 23, that Pakistan promulgated its first Constitution and formally became a “Republic” — severing the formal link with Britain.

As is the norm in the developed world, the day was celebrated as Republic Day to mark the promulgation of Pakistan’s first Constitution.

Read More: Pakistan Day Parade ‘Scaled Down’ for Ramadan

The Republic Day Parade

In honour of this auspicious day, the Republic Day Parade is held annually on March 23rd. It is a grand military and cultural event that is organized in Islamabad.

The parade features the Pakistan Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy and Air Force, showcasing their strength through march-pasts, aerial displays and advanced military equipment. It also includes performances highlighting Pakistan’s diverse culture, with floats representing various provinces. Foreign dignitaries and high-ranking officials often attend, and the President of Pakistan delivers a special address. This event symbolises national unity, patriotism, and the country’s defence capabilities.

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 founder of Pakistan.

Strategic Use of Pakistan Day

However, March 23 was celebrated as Pakistan Day until 1958. Later, on October 7, 1958, President Iskandar Mirza revoked the Constitution and appointed General Ayub Khan as the Chief Martial Law Administrator. So, now in the absence of a Constitution, it would be pretty incongruous to celebrate a day which marked the promulgation of the said Constitution.

Hence, to save their face the authorities changed the name and kept celebrating it on the same date. Basically, they twisted a very important chapter of our country’s history. They mixed it in such a way that now people don’t know the truth of this day’s origin at all.

People are Lost About Pakistan Day

A major question here arises as to what exactly prevented the elected governments from restoring the Republic Day? Once martial law was lifted, it could have been celebrated easily. Even in educational institutions the significance of the day is not taught in its complete form, or perhaps we find it too convenient to forget.

The Final Message For Pakistan Day

Even though, the people in charge don’t pay much attention to this day we as a nation must reflect upon its significance. We must understand that this day allowed us the gift of Pakistan. It allowed us the privilege of a separate homeland while many countries in the world face great turmoil, some of them even civil wars and disintegration. Our ancestors fought for this day for our sake and the least we can do is remember their efforts and hence remember this day.

This Pakistan Day, we must try to getvthe new generation aware about the struggles of the Muslims. We must reignite the spirit of the historic Lahore Resolution of 1940. We can do this by rejuvenating enthusiasm and spirit among our countrymen!