ISLAMABAD, 23 March 2021, (TON): This year too, due to inclement weather and rain over the next two days the 23^rd March celebrations were postponed. Last year, to express solidarity with rest of world regarding Coronavirus COVID-19 spread, the 23 March parade and other events were canceled. However, like last year, throughout the country, special prayers and recitation of Al Quran was arranged after Namaz-e-Fajr (morning prayers) on Tuesday 23 March 2021. Despite restrictions, large numbers of people assembled at the mosques throughout the country to offer special prayers for the safety and security of Pakistan as well as blessings from Almighty Allah to overcome the deadly conspiracies against the peaceful nations of the world, especially the Muslims.

To celebrate getting rid of the dominion status and becoming Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 23rd March is being celebrated every year with zeal, enthusiasm and national spirit. Every year as ‘Pakistan Day’ is celebrated to commemorate Lahore Resolution adopted of 23 March 1940 which later paved way for the partition of India and independence of Pakistan on 15 August 1947. On 23 March 1940, All India Muslim League leadership put up its idea for self-governance for Muslims of India through a resolution a sequence of Pakistan movement that was moved by Pakistan’s Bengal’s leader, Maulvi Fazlul Haq. Pakistan was created by sons of the soil residing in present day Bangladesh and Assam (East Pakistan), Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir. A national tradition, the day begins with Fajr prayers and recitation from holy Al Quran, followed by Guns salute in Federal Capital Islamabad and all provincial capitals, followed by an impressive Armed Forces parade to show of military might showcasing war and pace capabilities including missiles, tanks, fighter jets, radars, aerobatics and commandos parachuting from helicopters as well as cultural and traditional floats. However, the events were postponed.

The official statement said, the annual Pakistan Day parade scheduled to be held on 23 March has been postponed to 25 March due to the forecast of inclement weather and rain over the next two days. The Pakistan military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement issued on 22 March said, "The Joint Services Pakistan Day Parade will now be held on 25th March, 2021 as per programme and timings already specified."

The event, which used to be held at Cantonment's Race Course Ground in twin city Islamabad-Rawalpindi was shifted to Constitutional Avenue Islamabad but then again shifted to a ground near the Shakarparian hills in Islamabad. There is a need to hold such celebrations under shade in  case of inclement weather or other unexpected eventualities.