Pakistan Independence Day 2024: Why is it celebrated on August 14th a day before India's Independence Day?

Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 14, a date that stands out from the one specified in the Indian Independence Act. This day marks the birth of Pakistan as an independent nation in 1947. The story of Pakistan's Independence Day is deeply intertwined with the dramatic events of 1947 when the Indian subcontinent was divided into two new nations: India and Pakistan. As Pakistan is all set to celebrate its 78th Independence Day in 2024, it¡¯s interesting to explore why this date was chosen and how it came to be recognized as Pakistan¡¯s special day of freedom, even though both countries gained independence on the same date.

Historical Background

In August 1947, the Indian Independence Act established two independent dominions: India and Pakistan by partitioning the Bengal and Punjab provinces. The Act set August 15, 1947, as the official date for the end of British rule. However, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, announced in his radio address that ¡°August 15 is the birthday of the independent and sovereign state of Pakistan. It marks the fulfilment of the destiny of the Muslim nation which made great sacrifices in the past few years to have its homeland.¡±

Mountbatten¡¯s Scheduling

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Lord Mountbatten, the last British viceroy, initially planned for the transfer of power to occur by June 1948. However, he advanced this date to August 15, 1947. Due to logistical issues, Mountbatten went to Karachi on August 13 and addressed Pakistan's constituent assembly on August 14, thus precipitating the celebration of Independence Day a day earlier. This scheduling adjustment, driven by Mountbatten¡¯s busy itinerary, led to Pakistan marking its Independence Day on August 14.

Pakistan Cabinet Decision

Another perspective suggests that Pakistan¡¯s first cabinet, led by Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, decided to advance the celebration to August 14 to establish a distinct identity from India. Although this decision was made privately and is not well-documented, it allowed Pakistan to celebrate its independence ahead of India, reinforcing its unique national identity.

Religious Factor

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One significant reason behind the choice of August 14 for Pakistan's Independence Day is its coincidence with the Islamic month of Ramzan. August 14, 1947, fell on the 27th day of Ramzan, which is considered highly auspicious. This made August 14 a more significant date for Muslims. Furthermore, August 15, 1947, was the last Friday of Ramzan, which was less favourable for celebrations. Hence, celebrating independence on August 14 allowed Pakistan to honour this special day in the Islamic calendar.

The Time Zone Difference

The 30-minute time difference between Indian Standard Time (IST) and Pakistan Standard Time (PST) also played a role. India gained independence at midnight IST on August 15, which was 11:30 PM PST on August 14. This time difference further supports why Pakistan chose to celebrate its Independence Day on August 14.

Commemorative Stamps and Legacy

Initially, Pakistan issued stamps marking August 15 as Independence Day, but this was later changed to August 14. The reasons behind this shift remain unclear but reflect the historical adjustments made during the partition period.

The Legacy of Partition

The 1947 Partition led to significant violence and displacement, affecting millions of people and causing deep-seated animosity between India and Pakistan. This traumatic history continues to impact the relationship between the two nations today.

Pakistan celebrates Independence Day on August 14 due to a combination of religious, logistical, and political factors. This date not only honours the nation's independence but also reflects its unique historical journey and cultural significance.

FAQs:

Q. When Was Pakistan's Independence Day in 1947?

Pakistan's Independence Day in 1947 was celebrated on August 14. This date was chosen because it coincided with the 27th day of Ramzan, a particularly auspicious time in the Islamic calendar.

Q. What Was the Old Name of Pakistan?

The name "Pakistan" was introduced by Choudhry Rahmat Ali, a prominent activist in the Pakistan Movement. In January 1933, he first published it in a pamphlet titled Now or Never, where the name was originally written as "Pakstan" and used as an acronym.

Q. When Did Pakistan Separate from India?

Pakistan separated from India in August 1947. This partition ended three centuries of British colonial rule and resulted in the creation of two independent nations: India and Pakistan, which initially included both West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

Q. Is India Older Than Pakistan?

Yes, India has a history that spans over 5,000 years. In contrast, Pakistan, established in 1947, has a history of just 77 years as of 2023. Thus, India¡¯s historical timeline is significantly longer than that of Pakistan.

Q. What Was the Old Name of India?

Before the adoption of the Constitution in 1949, India was known by several names, including Bharat, India, and Hindustan.