- 14 August every year
- Independence in 1947
- Green and white flag
- Pakistan
Where it began
In the early 1900s, leaders of the All-India Muslim League called for a separate homeland. The Lahore Resolution of 1940 set out this aim.
Under the Indian Independence Act of 1947, British rule ended and Pakistan was created, with Muhammad Ali Jinnah as its first Governor-General. Pakistan marks its independence on 14 August.
How it grew over time
1906
The All-India Muslim League was founded.
1940
The Lahore Resolution was passed, a day now remembered as Pakistan Day.
14 August 1947
Pakistan became independent.
1968
Minar-e-Pakistan was completed in Lahore at the site of the resolution.
Today
The day is a public holiday kept across the country and by Pakistanis abroad.
How it is celebrated in different places
Islamabad
The day starts with a gun salute and a flag raising ceremony.
Lahore
People gather at Minar-e-Pakistan, and the guard changes at the tomb of the poet Iqbal.
Karachi
Guards change at the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and streets fill with flags.
Pakistani diaspora
Communities in the UK, Gulf and North America hold parades and gatherings.
Pakistan Independence Day today
Homes, cars and markets are decorated with green flags and lights. Children wear green and white, schools hold events, and families enjoy patriotic songs and fireworks at night.
