INDEPENDENCE DAY OF PAKISTAN 14TH AUGUST, 1947
THE CONFUSION OF 15TH AUGUST AS POSSIBLE DATE
No one bothers to clear history of Pakistan. A deliberate confusion is generated by vested interests about the date of independence of Pakistan. Very few would know the way of seeking the truth. The first independence day of Pakistan was celebrated on 15th August, 1948. There is valid reason for same and we have a commemorative postal stamp (First stamp designed by M.A. Rahman Chughtai) that was issued on same date. It was realized by Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan that this confusion had to go. Jut like the Two nation theory, the same day of Independence would not work in the long run. It was found that exactly at 12 pm Independence for Pakistan was announced and that would make it 14th August, 1947. Independence for India was announced five minutes later at 00.05 am. It was decided to commemorate Pakistan Day on 14th August each year, while India would retain its India Day on 15th August for the future. All this is on record. The 2nd Independence day was on 14th August, 1949. It is found in older Pakistani guide books published officially but no stress is given to it now. Now you know!
It was always 14th August, but in a short time Pakistan realized the mistake. 12pm was on 14th August. 05 am was on 15th August, 1947. Corected well in time.
Corrected well in time.
This article raises an interesting topic, but it contains several important historical inaccuracies that should be respectfully clarified:
1. First Independence Day Confusion:
The claim that “the first independence day was celebrated on 15th August 1948” is incorrect.
Pakistan’s actual first Independence Day was celebrated on 14–15 August 1947, immediately after the creation of the new state. 15 August 1948 was simply the first anniversary of independence, not the first celebration of it.
2. Postal Stamps and 15 August:
The commemorative stamps you mention (designed by M.A. Rahman Chughtai) were issued in July 1948, before the anniversary.
They clearly state “15th August 1947” — because that was the legal and historical date of Pakistan’s independence, according to the Indian Independence Act of 1947.
These stamps were not evidence of confusion — they reflected the correct historical date.
3. Timing of Independence (12 PM vs 12 AM):
The article mistakenly states “Independence was announced at 12 PM,” which is incorrect.
12 PM is noon.
In reality, Pakistan became independent at midnight (12:00 AM, or 0000 hours), marking the very start of 15 August 1947.
Midnight is universally recognized as the start of the new day, not a continuation of the previous day. There is no waiting for “000001” to declare a new date — 12:00:00 AM itself is 15 August.
4. Legal Sovereignty and the Indian Independence Act:
The Indian Independence Act (1947), passed by the British Parliament, states very clearly that 15 August 1947 would be the date when both India and Pakistan would become independent dominions.
The legal transfer of sovereignty to Pakistan occurred at 00:00 hours on 15 August 1947, not earlier.
5. Ceremonies Held on 14 August:
Yes, many celebrations in Pakistan — like the Constituent Assembly meeting and Jinnah’s oath-taking in Karachi — happened on 14 August 1947.
This was due to practical reasons (such as time differences, convenience, and the significance of the 27th night of Ramadan).
However, the legal independence itself still began at midnight, at the start of 15 August.
6. Jinnah’s Own Words:
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his official address to the nation, explicitly said:
“August 15 is the birthday of the independent and sovereign State of Pakistan.”
(Source: Dawn, 15 August 1947.)
This proves that the founding leadership fully recognized 15 August as the legal date of independence.
7. Why 14 August Became Celebrated Later:
Over time, Pakistan shifted its national celebrations to 14 August for symbolic reasons:
• Religious importance (27th Ramadan).
• Practical distinctions from India.
• National identity building.
However, this was a later political and symbolic shift — not a correction of the original date.
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Conclusion:
The facts are clear:
• Pakistan became independent legally on 15 August 1947.
• Celebrations began on 14 August, but independence began at the midnight turning into the 15th.
• Stamps and speeches at the time confirm this.
• There was no “12 PM” transfer of power, and no delay until “000001.”
Respectfully, a true appreciation of our history must be based on accuracy and evidence, not retroactive adjustments.
Our real achievements — including our independence — shine brighter when we tell the story honestly.