Independence Day, in Pakistan, national holiday celebrated annually on August 14. Independence Day commemorates the end of British rule in 1947, brought about by the Indian Independence Act passed on July 18 that year, and the creation of the independent state of Pakistan as a homeland for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. It also marks the anniversary of the partition of British India into two countries, Pakistan and India, which occurred at midnight on August 14–15, 1947. (In India, Independence Day is celebrated on August 15.)

British rule in the subcontinent began in 1757 when, following the British victory at the Battle of Plassey, the British East India Company began exercising control over the region. The East India Company ruled for 100 years until it was replaced by direct British rule (often referred to as the British raj) after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The Indian Independence Movement, led in part by Mohandas K. Gandhi, pushed for a nonviolent end to colonial rule. Leaders of the All-India Muslim League also advocated for British withdrawal, initially calling for Hindu-Muslim unity in a united independent India. But with the Lahore Resolution of 1940, the League, led by Mohammed Ali Jinnah, laid the foundation for a separate Muslim state, as fears grew that Muslims would be politically marginalized in a Hindu-majority India.

Independence Day in Pakistan is observed with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and the singing of the country’s national anthem. Leaders such as the prime minister and president deliver speeches recalling sacrifices made for independence and highlighting national achievements. Public and private buildings are adorned with the national flag and illuminated at night. Cultural events, music performances, and fireworks are common, and people often dress in green and white, the colors of the Pakistani flag.