As August approaches, the flags go up, the streets light up, and patriotic songs fill the air on both sides of the border. Yet, while India celebrates its independence on August 15, Pakistan observes the occasion a day earlier, on August 14. And the question arises, why?
Why does Pakistan celebrate Independence Day on August 14?
When the Indian Independence Act of 1947 was passed, it created two independent authorities, India and Pakistan, by partitioning Bengal and Punjab. The founding father of Pakistan, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, in his famous radio address, proclaimed, “August 15 is the birthday of the independent and sovereign state of Pakistan.” Initially, both nations shared the same independence date.
However, history unfolded differently. One explanation points to Lord Mountbatten's schedule. As the last Viceroy of British India, Mountbatten oversaw both transitions. He travelled to Karachi to officially hand over governance to Jinnah on August 14, 1947, before returning to Delhi for India’s ceremonies on August 15.
Another report suggests a political decision. In June 1948, Pakistan’s cabinet, led by Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, proposed celebrating independence a day before India. Jinnah approved, cementing August 14 as the official date.
Religious sentiment also plays a role. The night between August 14 and 15, 1947, coincided with the 27th day of Ramzan, considered deeply auspicious in Islam. Many saw this as a sign to honour August 14 as the nation’s birth date.
Finally, there’s the matter of time zones. Since Pakistan Standard Time is 30 minutes behind Indian Standard Time, India’s stroke of midnight on August 15 was 11:30 p.m. in Pakistan, technically placing the moment of independence on August 14 for them.
