Khushi Kumari
Image Credit: Google Images
Both India and Pakistan gained independence precisely at midnight between August 14 and 15, 1947, under the Indian Independence Act
The Act designated August 15 as the official day of independence for both dominions, a fact echoed in Jinnah’s first broadcast
Lord Mountbatten was scheduled to be physically present in both Karachi and Delhi. The solution was to transfer power in Pakistan on August 14 and then in India on August 15
Mountbatten addressed Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly in Karachi on August 14, officially handing over authority to Jinnah before heading to Delhi
August 14, 1947, corresponded to the 27th day of Ramadan—a sacred period in Islam—making it a spiritually resonant date for observance
India Standard Time was 30 minutes ahead of Pakistan. When India struck midnight on August 15, it was still 11:30 PM in Pakistan—further supporting August 14 for national celebrations
In 1948, Pakistan’s first cabinet, led by Liaquat Ali Khan, formally decided to celebrate Independence Day on August 14 to assert a separate identity from India
Initial commemorative stamps mentioned August 15, but over time, August 14 became firmly institutionalized, celebrated with flag-raising, parades, and festivities