This year marks 78 years since India and Pakistan gained independence from British rule. Both nations will celebrate their 79th Independence Day — India on 15 August, and Pakistan a day earlier, on 14 August. While India calls it Independence Day, in Pakistan it is known as Youm-e-Azadi.
Meaning of Youm-e-Azadi
The term Youm-e-Azadi is simply the Urdu phrase for Independence Day. In Urdu, Yaum means “day” and Azadi means “freedom.” When both countries became independent in 1947, Pakistan initially observed Independence Day on 15 August, the same as India. However, the tradition later changed.
Why Pakistan Chose a Different Date
According to documents in the National Documentation Center of Islamabad’s Cabinet Division, a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan on 29 June 1948 in Karachi proposed shifting Pakistan’s Independence Day to 14 August. The final approval came from Mohammad Ali Jinnah, cementing the change.
How Pakistan Celebrates
On 14 August, Pakistan marks the day with flag hoisting, parades, cultural programs in schools and colleges, and streets and homes decorated with green and white flags. The spirit of celebration mirrors India’s 15 August festivities — only the date and national colors differ.