Pakistani missions abroad to commemorate March 23 with simplicity and avoid receptions

Pakistan’s missions abroad will observe this year’s March 23 National Day with simplicity and limit celebrations to traditional flag-raising ceremonies, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday.

In a post on X, Dar said the country’s diplomatic missions would not host National Day receptions this year in light of the austerity measures announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“National Day on March 23 this year will be celebrated with simplicity in all Pakistani missions abroad, limiting itself to the traditional flag hoisting ceremony,” Dar wrote, adding that the decision was also taken “as a sign of solidarity with the countries and people of the Middle East and the wider region affected by the ongoing conflict and the tragic loss of innocent lives.”

He said Pakistan hoped that dialogue and diplomacy would prevail and that peace, stability and prosperity would soon return to the region.

Pakistan celebrates its National Day on March 23 every year to commemorate the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, a historic moment in the movement that ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan.

The decision comes amid a series of austerity measures announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the government seeks to reduce public spending and respond to the economic and regional situation.

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Under the plan, the government introduced a series of cost-cutting measures across all federal institutions. These include reducing fuel allowances for official vehicles, limiting foreign travel by government officials, and curbing government-funded receptions and ceremonial events.

The austerity package also calls for a reduction in discretionary spending across all ministries and departments, along with efforts to reduce operating costs in the public sector. The measures were introduced as part of a broader government effort to conserve resources and demonstrate fiscal discipline.

The move also comes as tensions and conflicts in the Middle East continue to spark global concern.

Officials have said the government’s decisions are aimed at managing economic pressures and expressing solidarity with countries affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.