Govt cancels Pakistan Day parade amid oil crisis, opts for simple observance

ISLAMABAD: The government on Tuesday announced that the Pakistan Day parade and related ceremonial events scheduled for March 23 will not be held this year due to the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and austerity measures.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office Pakistan (PMO), the decision was taken in light of the economic strain caused by the global oil crisis triggered by the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

Pakistan Day, observed annually on March 23, commemorates the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent.

The PMO said the day would still be marked with dignity through simple flag-hoisting ceremonies at appropriate levels. “The day shall, however, be commemorated with dignity and reverence through a simple flag-hoisting ceremony,” the statement said.

It added that the move was aimed at aligning national observances with the broader austerity framework while maintaining the spirit of the occasion.

Ministries, divisions and departments have been directed to observe the day in a solemn and respectful manner, ensuring that its significance is preserved despite scaled-down celebrations.

The decision follows a series of austerity measures introduced by the government last week to manage the economic fallout of the global oil crisis. These include a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allowances for official vehicles, implementation of a four-day work week, and a directive for half of public sector employees to work from home, excluding essential services.

Additionally, salaries of employees in state-owned enterprises and autonomous bodies have been reduced by five to 30 per cent, with the savings intended to support public relief efforts.