Govt cancels Pakistan Day parade amid austerity measures

The federal government has called off the Pakistan Day parade scheduled for March 23 due to the ongoing oil crisis and the austerity measures announced following the Middle East tensions, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Tuesday.

“In light 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’s statement read.

The decision was taken in the wake of the recent crisis triggered by disruptions in oil supply following the US-Israel-Iran war, resulting in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Last week, to cope with the situation, PM Shehbaz announced a four-day work week and a work-from-home policy as part of wide-ranging austerity measures.

The PMO statement added that the day will instead be observed with dignity and respect through simple flag-hoisting ceremonies. The step is aimed at ensuring that the nation’s commitment to the ideals of Pakistan Day, its resilience and unwavering resolve are upheld, while maintaining the broader policy of austerity.

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“All ministries, divisions and departments are directed to observe the occasion with simplicity and dignity, so that despite limited ceremonies, the importance of the day and its true message remain preserved,” it added.

Pakistan Day, observed annually on March 23, 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 petroleum minister to further enhance the supply chain for petroleum imports and instructed all relevant institutions to remain prepared to take emergency measures until the regional situation improves.

In the wake of recent energy crisis, the government has decided to conduct a daily review of petroleum reserves 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 secretary of petroleum informed the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum on Monday.