In the wake of the Iran-Israel war, Pakistan, caught in a severe fuel crisis, does not even have enough money to hold a Republic Day parade on March 23. The Sharif government has said that in view of the ongoing fuel crisis in the country, a decision has been taken not to hold the Republic Day parade this year. Pakistan celebrates Republic Day on 23 March every year, commemorating the historic Lahore Resolution in 1940 and the adoption of Pakistan's first constitution in 1956.
Pakistan has canceled the military parade and associated ceremonies for the upcoming national holiday Republic Day on March 23. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's office announced that the decision to cancel the national holiday Republic Day celebrations was made in response to the oil crisis in the Gulf and austerity measures adopted by the government to cut costs following the Iran-Israel war. 23 March is celebrated as the Republic Day of Pakistan. The decision comes in the wake of the disruption in fuel supply to Pakistan due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Pakistan is currently facing a serious energy crisis. As a result, the country has already made massive cuts in government spending.
What the Pakistani President's Office said
A post shared on the official X account of the Office of the President of Pakistan read, “President Asif Ali Zardari, on the advice of the Prime Minister and in view of the fuel crisis and austerity measures created in the wake of the Gulf War, has approved the proposal to cancel the Pakistan Day Parade and associated events on March 23, 2026.”
Why is Pakistan celebrating National Day?
The cancellation of the celebration of Pakistan's national holiday Republic Day is being considered as a historic event. This day commemorates the historic Lahore Resolution (also known as the Pakistan Resolution) of 1940. It was through this resolution that a formal demand for a separate India and a nation for Muslims was made. It was this demand that eventually led to the partition of India in 1947. Nine years after independence, on March 23, 1956, Pakistan was declared the Islamic Republic of Pakistan after adopting its first constitution. On this occasion, a grand military parade is organized every year on 23 March mainly in Islamabad.
Pakistan is caught in a serious energy crisis
Following the Iran Israel war, the fuel crisis in the Middle East has caused the situation in Pakistan to spiral out of control. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has worsened Pakistan's fuel crisis. As a result, Pakistan has been forced to take drastic measures to address this situation. Which reminds Pakistanis of the restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Pakistan, “work from home” policy is being promoted. Additionally, schools and colleges have been closed. Restrictions have been imposed on movement of government vehicles. Foreign travel has been banned for high-ranking officials and political leaders. Salaries of government officials and politicians have also been drastically cut.
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