Republic Day (Pakistan)

Infobox Holiday|secular
holiday_name = Pakistan Day
type = National

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caption = Joint Services Parade in 2005.
observedby = Pakistan
date=23 March
celebrations = Parades, conferring of national medals.
relatedto =

The Republic Day of Pakistan is a national holiday in Pakistan to commemorate the Lahore Resolution and also to celebrate the adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan in 1956 and the transition of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan of March 23 1956.

History

Pakistan had obtained its independence from the British Raj in 1947, however it became a republic only in 1956 when the constitution was adopted and Pakistan became a republic with the last Governor General Iskander Mirza becoming the first President of Pakistan. The day is also historically held on the same day as the Lahore Resolution which cemented the idea of a new muslim nation in the sub-continent.

Celebrations

The celebrations regarding the holiday include a full military and civilian parade in the capital, Islamabad. These are presided by the President of Pakistan and are held early in the morning. After the parade, the President confers national awards and medals on the awardees at the Presidency. Wreaths are also laid at the mausoleoums of Muhammad Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

See also

* History of Pakistan
* Holidays in Pakistan
* Independence Day
* Republic Day in other countries