The PMO says the day will be observed with dignity, respect through simple flag hoisting ceremonies
The federal government has called off the Pakistan Day parade scheduled for March 23 due to the ongoing oil crisis and the announced austerity measures following tensions in the Middle East, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Tuesday.
“In view of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis 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 be held,” the PMO statement read.
The decision was made in the wake of the latest crisis triggered by oil supply disruptions following the US-Israeli war, which resulted in 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 PMO statement added that the day will instead be observed with dignity and respect through simple flag-hoisting ceremonies. The move is aimed at ensuring that the nation’s commitment to the ideals of Pakistan Day, its resilience and unwavering resolve is maintained, while maintaining the broader policy of austerity.
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“All ministries, departments and divisions are directed to observe the event with simplicity and dignity so that despite limited ceremonies, the importance of the day and its true message remains preserved,” it added.
Held annually on 23 March, Pakistan Day commemorates 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.
Earlier in the day, during a meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the oil minister to further improve the supply chain of oil imports and instructed all relevant institutions to remain ready to take emergency measures until the regional situation improves.
In the wake of the latest energy crisis, the government has decided to carry out a daily review of the oil reserves in order to closely monitor the energy situation. Pakistan currently has crude oil reserves sufficient for 11 days, diesel for 21 days, petrol for 27 days, LPG for nine days and jet fuel (JP-1) for 14 days, the petroleum secretary told the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum on Monday.
