Pakistan Independence Day, which is annually held on August 14th, celebrated the country’s independence from the British rule on that date in 1947. This day is an occasion to promote patriotism and national unity.
Independence Day is a public holiday. It is a day off the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
The Indo-Pak subcontinent remained a British colony from 1849-1947. The subcontient’s inhabitants did not approve of the British rule in united India. An uprising that occurred in 1857 eventually formed the shape of a freedom movement. This exemplifies the efforts of the people of British India in gaining their independence.
Muslims ruled the subcontinent before the British incursion and suffered due to the 1857 uprising against the British East India Company. Leaders such as Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Syed Ameer Ali worked diligently for the Muslim people’s political advancement.
The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885, which later on became British India’s largest political party. Major Muslim political leaders, including Muhammad Ali Jinnah, were members of the Indian National Congress and worked towards Hindu-Muslim unity and India’s Independence.
The all India Muslim League was founded on 30th December 1906. There was growing demands for an independent Muslim state in India. In 1930 Muhammad Iqbal presented the idea of a separate Muslim state that would geographically consist of the Muslim majority areas in the subcontinent. The word Pakistan is a conjunction of two words Pak meaning Pure and Stan meaning Land, a name coined by Choudhary Rahmat Ali.
After Worlds War 2 it was expected that the British colonies would soon disintegrate. The Pakistan movement, spearheaded by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, resulted in creating a Muslim state. Pakistan gained independence in creating British rule on August 14th, 1947. Pakistan had two parts commonly referred to as East and West Pakistan. In 1971 east Pakistan parted from West Pakistan and became Bangladesh.
How the Independence Day is celebrated?
People all over Pakistan celebrate Independence Day with Patriotic flare. Many people attend Independence Day Parades and dress up in green and white. People visit national monuments and places of national significance to celebrate Independence Day. This is also a time to meet relatives, exchange gifts and visit recreational spots.
Pakistan’s nation flag is hoisted on public, private buildings, residences and monuments at dawn. The Prime Minister and presidents address and congratulate the nation and talk about the day.
