Pakistan observes its national Independence Day on August 14, marking the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
The holiday commemorates the end of British rule and the establishment of Pakistan as a separate dominion in the partition of British India. Muhammad Ali Jinnah became the country’s first Governor-General, and the new state was created under the Indian Independence Act 1947.
Pakistan’s celebrations include flag-hoisting ceremonies, official speeches, military and civic events, illuminations, and patriotic programs. The national flag is displayed widely, and major ceremonies take place in Islamabad and provincial capitals.
The date can be confused with India’s Independence Day, which is August 15. Pakistan’s observance is August 14 because the transfer of power and independence ceremonies for Pakistan were conducted on that date, one day before India’s formal independence celebrations.