After sunset on Tuesday 13 August, the exterior facade of the Library of Birmingham will be lit up green and white on the eve of Pakistan Independence Day.

Independence Day is a national holiday in Pakistan and is observed on 14 August annually.

It commemorates the day Pakistan achieved independence, and was declared a sovereign state in August 1947, after the end of the British Raj.

The Pakistan Movement

Pakistan came into existence as a result of the Pakistan Movement, which aimed to create an independent Muslim state in the north-western regions of British India through partition.

The movement was led by the All-India Muslim League, under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The event gave rise to the Indian Independence Act 1947, under which the British Raj gave independence to the Dominion of Pakistan, comprising:

• West Pakistan - present-day Pakistan
• East Pakistan - now Bangladesh

In the Islamic calendar, the day of independence coincided with Ramadan 27, the eve of which, Laylat al-Qadr, is regarded as sacred by Muslims.

Independence Day celebrations

The main Independence Day ceremony takes place in Islamabad, where the national flag is hoisted at the Presidential and Parliament buildings.

It is followed by the national anthem and live televised speeches by leaders.

Celebratory events and festivities for the day usually include:

• flag-raising ceremonies
• parades
• cultural events
• playing of patriotic songs

A number of award ceremonies are often held on this day, and Pakistanis hoist the national flag on top of their homes, or display it prominently on their vehicles and clothing.

Find out more about the history of Pakistan and its independence

Article published 13 August 2024