Islamabad, March 18, 2026 (Agencies): President Asif Ali Zardari has approved a summary to cancel the Pakistan Day military parade and all related events scheduled for March 23, in view of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and the government’s austerity drive.
The decision was taken on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as the country moves to reduce expenditures amid rising economic pressure linked to escalating oil prices and regional instability.
Officials said that while the traditional parade and large-scale ceremonies have been called off, Pakistan Day will still be observed with simple and low-cost events, including flag hoisting ceremonies at key government buildings.
Meanwhile, the Investiture Ceremony, in which civil awards are conferred, has been rescheduled and will now be held on April 28 instead of March 23.
The move is part of broader fiscal restraint measures adopted by the government as it navigates economic challenges intensified by the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region.