The Prime Minister’s Office says the day will be celebrated with dignity and respect through simple flag hoisting ceremonies
The federal government has canceled the Pakistan Day parade scheduled for March 23 due to the ongoing oil crisis and austerity measures announced following tensions in the Middle East, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Tuesday.
“In light of the ongoing oil crisis in the Gulf and the austerity measures announced by the government, it has been decided that the Pakistan Day parade scheduled for March 23 and all associated ceremonies will not take place,” the Prime Minister’s statement said.
This decision was taken following the recent crisis triggered by disruptions in oil supplies following the war between the United States, Israel and Iran, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Last week, to deal with the situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced a four-day work week and a work-from-home policy as part of sweeping austerity measures.
The statement from the Prime Minister’s Office added that the day will instead be celebrated with dignity and respect through simple flag hoisting ceremonies. The move aims to ensure that the nation’s commitment to the ideals of Pakistan Day, its resilience and unwavering determination are upheld, while maintaining the broader policy of austerity.
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“All ministries, divisions and departments are directed to observe the occasion with simplicity and dignity, so that despite limited ceremonies, the importance of this day and its true message remains preserved,” it added.
Pakistan Day, celebrated annually on March 23, commemorates the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940 and is traditionally marked with a grand military parade in Islamabad in the presence of the country’s political and military leaders.
Earlier today, in a meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked the Oil Minister to further strengthen the supply chain for oil imports and asked all relevant institutions to remain ready to take emergency measures until the regional situation improves.
Following the recent energy crisis, the government decided to conduct a daily review of oil reserves in order to closely monitor the energy situation. Pakistan currently has sufficient reserves of crude oil for 11 days, diesel for 21 days, gasoline for 27 days, LPG for nine days and jet fuel (JP-1) for 14 days, the Oil Secretary informed the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum on Monday.
