Independence Day celebrations have officially begun across Pakistan with events and activities taking place nationwide under this year’s theme “Marka-e-Haq”.
Marka-e-Haq refers to the period of conflict with India from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the May 10 conclusion of operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
This year, parts of the country are likely to witness a four-day holiday stretch in August, as Independence Day and Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) are expected to fall on consecutive days.
According to the Cabinet Division, August 14 will be observed as a public holiday across the country to mark Independence Day.
Chehlum, which marks the 40th day of mourning after the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), is expected to fall on Thursday, August 15.
While it is not listed among federal public holidays, provincial governments and local administrations have the authority to declare a holiday in their respective regions.
In 2024, the Sindh government declared holiday for all public and private schools across the province on the occasion of Chehlum.
If similar provincial holidays are declared this year, it could result in an extended weekend — with Friday, August 16, and Saturday, August 17, combining with the official holidays for a potential four-day break.
As of now, formal announcements for the Chehlum-related holiday at the provincial level are still awaited.
