The federal government on Tuesday mentioned it is not going to maintain the Pakistan Day parade and different ceremonial occasions on March 23 in gentle of the continuing Gulf oil disaster and the ensuing austerity measures introduced by the federal government.
Pakistan Day — noticed on March 23 yearly — commemorates the passing of the Lahore Decision on March 23, 1940, when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire.
An announcement from the Prime Minister’s Workplace (PMO) acknowledged that within the backdrop of the continuing Gulf oil disaster and the ensuing austerity measures introduced by the federal government, it was determined that the Pakistan Day parade and related ceremonial occasions shall not be held on March 23.
“The day shall, nevertheless, be commemorated with dignity and reverence by means of a easy flag-hoisting ceremony at acceptable ranges,” the assertion mentioned.
“This measure is being taken to make sure that the resilience and unwavering dedication of the nation to the beliefs of Pakistan Day stay aligned with the broader austerity framework,” it mentioned.
“Ministries, divisions, and departments are suggested to mark the event in a solemn and respectful method, guaranteeing that the essence of the day is preserved regardless of the scaled-down celebrations,” the PMO assertion mentioned.
Later, a submit on the Presidency’s X account mentioned: “President Asif Ali Zardari approves abstract to cancel Pakistan Day parade and associated occasions on March 23, 2026, in view of the Gulf oil disaster and austerity measures, on PM’s recommendation. Investiture ceremony has been rescheduled to April 28.”
An investiture ceremony is held yearly on March 23, the place the president broadcasts the conferment of nationwide awards.
Final week, the federal government had introduced unprecedented austerity measures to deal with the state of affairs that emerged because of the US-Israel battle on Iran, which has led to a world oil disaster affecting varied nations, together with Pakistan.
The measures included a 50 p.c reduce in gasoline allowance for official automobiles and a four-day work week. It was additionally determined that 50pc of workers within the public sector would earn a living from home; Nonetheless, these offering important providers are exempt.
On Saturday, it was additionally determined that the staff of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and autonomous establishments beneath authorities patronage would see their salaries reduce by 5 to 30pc, with the financial savings for use for public reduction.
