Kamal Ghorui
There will be no Republic Day parade in Pakistan this year, as Islamabad has cancelled its March 23 ceremonial event due to the Middle East crisis, which has triggered an oil crisis in Pakistan amid rising tensions in the Gulf region, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office confirmed, according to Arab News.This rare suspension of Islamabad’s annual celebrations comes amid the escalating conflict in neighbouring Iran, where the United States and Israel launched a massive military offensive against the Tehran regime on February 28, plunging the Gulf region into heightened tensions, with skies filled with missiles, jets and drones.In Pakistan, March 23 is traditionally marked by a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, followed by a grand parade featuring the armed forces and elaborate military displays.However, in a statement on Tuesday, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s office said this year’s Republic Day will be observed with dignity and reverence through simple flag-hoisting ceremonies at appropriate levels.“This measure is being taken to ensure that the resilience and unwavering commitment of the nation to the ideals of Pakistan Day remain aligned with the broader austerity framework,” the statement said.The move comes as the United States and Israel continue their military campaign against Iran, launched on February 28, with Tehran responding through counterattacks targeting US bases in Gulf countries as well as commercial and oil infrastructure.The crisis has disrupted global fuel supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel between Iran and Oman that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and a quarter of seaborne liquefied natural gas exports, affecting Pakistan along with several other countries.Last week, Sharif also announced a series of austerity measures, including a four-day work week for government offices, mandating 50 percent staff to work from home, halving fuel allowances for official vehicles, grounding up to 60 percent of the government fleet, and shutting schools for two weeks to conserve fuel amid the global oil crisis.“Ministries, divisions and departments are advised to mark the [Republic Day] occasion in a solemn and respectful manner, ensuring that the essence of the day is preserved despite the scaled-down celebrations,” the statement added.
