Celebrated in honor of the day when Pakistan emerged from the government rule of British India is Pakistan Independence Day. Now is the time to learn more about the day and how to observe it!
History of Pakistan Independence Day
After almost 200 years of living under the rule of the British Indian Empire, the years following World War I and then World War II paved the way for the Muslims living in India to separate and become an independent state.
Beginning in August of 1947, one of the largest migrations in human history took place when people from India moved toward the east and west sides of the geographical area when the Partition took place. In an effort to find religious connection and freedom, millions of Hindus and Sikhs were motivated to move under the leadership of the All-India Muslim League.
On August 14, 1947, Muhammad Ali Jinnah was sworn in as the first Governor General of the country of Pakistan. Because the transfer of power took place at midnight of August 14 and 15 in 1947, some documents originally recognized the Independence Day of Pakistan as August 15.
The following year, however, the date was set as August 14 and has continued that way ever since. Some say that Viceroy Mountbatten, Earl of Burma and a member of the British Royal Family, wanted to be present at both the Independence of Pakistan as well as the Independence of India, which takes place on August 15.
Originally Pakistan was divided into two states, East Pakistan and West Pakistan, but eventually East Pakistan became Bangladesh in 1971. West Pakistan is now simply called Pakistan.
As one of six public holidays observed in the nation of Pakistan, festivities and official celebrations for Pakistan Independence Day take place all over the state during the day. The day usually begins with a call to prayer at the mosques throughout the country and then the people move along to festivities and events.
Festivities start with raising a flag over the house of Parliament in the city of Islamabad. Government officials and other celebrities give televised speeches along with rallies, meetings, ceremonies, fireworks and other important events.
