Anniversaries are about remembering beginnings. This year Pakistan commemorates 75th Independence Day, marking the start of its 76th year as an independent nation. Pakistan was created as a result of the Pakistan Movement, which was spearheaded by the All-India Muslim League under the direction of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and sought to divide the northwestern region of South Asia into a separate Muslim state. The event was brought forth by the Indian Independence Act 1947 in which the British Indian Empire gave independence to the Dominion of Pakistan (later the Islamic Republic of Pakistan) which included West Pakistan (present Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). If not for one man’s heroic efforts and battle to make Pakistan a reality, the idea of Muslim independence would have remained a pipe dream. Lawyer and politician Muhammad Ali Jinnah later rose to prominence as the founder of Pakistan. From 1913 till Pakistan’s independence, Jinnah presided as the All-India Muslim League’s leader. Another visionary who pushed for the secession of Muslims from India was Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Iqbal suggested in his presidential speech delivered on December 29, 1930, in Allahabad. The Allahabad Address is now a historical revolution. The name ‘Pakistan’ first appeared in a pamphlet called “Now Or Never” in 1933. Both India’s Congress and the Muslim League welcomed Mountbatten’s plan.
In July 1947, the British parliament introduced the Indian Independence Act. Separate provisional governments were established for Pakistan and India on July 20. Finally, the great subcontinent of British India was partitioned into the two countries of India and Pakistan on August 14, 1947. There was much violence and mayhem along the division. Since the inception of the notion of a distinct nation for Muslims, there has been an increase in Hindu cruelty and significant hostility to Jinnah’s and the other Muslim leaders’ proposals for a Muslim identity that is independent of other nations. Families and lineages were decimated, and even today, accounts of partition are constantly gathered and stored.
“You are free; you are free to go to your temples. You are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste or creed — that has nothing to do with the business of the state.” ― Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Pakistan observed its Independence Day annually on 14 August which is a national holiday in Pakistan, commemorating the day when Pakistan achieved independence and was declared a sovereign nation, following the end of the British Raj in 1947. Pakistanis enthusiastically observe Independence Day. The colors for the day are the green and white of Pakistan’s flag. National flags are flying everywhere, and people enjoy watching fireworks displays. Across the nation, flag-hoisting ceremonies are held in both public and private settings. Declamation competitions, art exhibits, national song recitals, and sporting marathons are organized by schools and universities to celebrate. Additionally, there are special events planned to mark this day.
The main ceremony takes place in Islamabad, where the national flag is hoisted at the Presidential and Parliament buildings, which is followed by the national anthem, and live televised speeches by leaders. Usual celebratory events on this day include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and the playing of patriotic songs. A number of award ceremonies are often held on this day, and citizens often hoist the national flag atop their homes or display it prominently on their vehicles and attire. The district and local authorities actively plan and execute events to express patriotism and add colors to the day. Citizens participate in face painting, donning the country colors, dressing up elaborately, lighting fireworks, and celebrating all things Pakistan. From candles in their homes to oil lamps on the streets, to extravagant fireworks displays, Pakistanis pay homage to the bright light of independence during the evening hours of Pakistan Independence Day. Meanwhile, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has released theme and logo for its diamond jubilee calendar with an idea of strength and solidarity with the people. The theme of 75 years of independence (diamond jubilee) logo has been drawn up and designed to commemorate the completion of 75 years of Independence. It depicts digits 7 and 5 in Urdu. The digit 7 contains the tagline in Urdu, speaks of determination and dare consist of 75 years. It is manifesting a resilient journey of 75 years while golden color depicts the ‘excellence’. The digit five in Urdu encompasses shape of a diamond (diamond jubilee). The combination of green (digit-5) and white (inner lines depicting Pakistan monument) depict colors of Pakistan’s flag.
On this Independence Day let’s pledge to work for the betterment and prosperity of the country. May this Independence Day bring unity and peace to Pakistan. May the stories of bravery of our heroes be recalled and may we join hands to make our country green again. Let all the Pakistani people take oath on this beautiful day. Let us vow that we will stay truthful to this land until the end of our days. We must stay united for the well-being of the country and remember the words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, “We are now all Pakistanis, not Balochis, Pathans, Sindhis, Bengalis, Punjabis, and so on and as Pakistanis, we must feel, behave and act, and we should be proud to be known as Pakistanis and nothing else”.
Comments are closed.