ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Government of Pakistan has cancelled the Pakistan Day parade scheduled to be held on March 23, 2026, due to the ongoing austerity measures, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Tuesday.
The statement released by PMO’s media wing stated, “It has been decided that the Pakistan Day Parade and associated ceremonial events shall not be held on March 23” amid the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and the consequent austerity measures.
“The day shall, however, be commemorated with dignity and reverence through a simple flag‑hoisting ceremony at appropriate levels,” the PMO said.
The statement further noted that this measure is being taken to ensure that “the resilience and unwavering commitment of the nation” to the ideals of Pakistan Day remain aligned with the broader austerity framework.
“Ministries, divisions, and departments are advised to mark the occasion solemnly and respectfully, ensuring that the essence of the day is preserved despite the scaled‑down celebrations,” it added.
Pakistan Day was observed annually on March 23 to commemorate the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940 and is traditionally marked by a large military parade in Islamabad attended by the country’s political and military leadership.
The decision came after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, last week, announced wide-ranging austerity measures in the wake of the recent crisis triggered by the global fuel crisis following the US-Israel-Iran war, resulting in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Prime Minister said that, considering the current global situation, Pakistan has taken difficult decisions, determining the prices of oil and gas in the global market is not in Pakistan’s control.
PM announces austerity measures
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further announced that all ministers, advisors, and assistants of the federal and provincial cabinets will not receive two months’ salary and allowances, while members of parliament will face a 25 per cent salary cut during the same period.
He also said that the government has taken a decision to cut two days’ salary of government officials in grade 20 and above, with a salary of more than Rs 300,000 in all federal and provincial departments.
Similarly, a 20 percent cut was announced in the non-development budget of all federal and provincial departments for the fourth quarter of the financial year. The budget cut is expected to save Rs22 billion at the federal level.
Furthermore, the premier announced that all schools and colleges are being given two-week holidays starting at the end of the current weekend as part of the energy conservation measures. While online classes will be conducted in higher educational institutions, he said.
In addition to that, the premier said that official dinners and iftar parties will also be completely banned, while teleconferences and online meetings will be prioritized.
The government has also imposed a ban on official banquets, and only exemptions will be granted for honoring foreign delegations, he said. “Seminars and conferences will be held at official venues instead of hotels to reduce government expenses.”
Furthermore, the prime minister also announced that government offices would operate four days a week, though the decision would not apply to banks.
