After sunset on Friday 14 August, the exterior facade of the Library of Birmingham will be lit up green and white to mark Pakistan Independence Day.

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

It commemorates the day Pakistan became an independent state in August 1947, following the end of British rule in the Indian subcontinent.

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 movement led to the Indian Independence Act 1947, which created 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.

Celebrations often include:

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

Award ceremonies are often held on this day. Many people also display the national flag on their homes, vehicles and clothing.

Find out more about the history of Pakistan and its independence on Encyclopaedia Britannica.

---

Article published: 7 August 2026