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The administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have announced a local holiday for Wednesday, August 13, 2025, ahead of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day. The move aims to facilitate preparations for large-scale celebrations, including an airshow, cultural programmes, and themed events marking the country’s recent military success in Marka-e-Haq.
Local Holiday Announced in Islamabad
In a notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon, it was stated that all offices within the limits of the federal capital will remain closed on August 13, except for essential services. These include the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration, ICT Police, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), and hospitals.
The district administration clarified that the holiday is intended to give public institutions, schools, and community organisers adequate time to prepare for the extensive celebrations planned for August 14. Among the highlights in Islamabad will be an airshow organised by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), cultural exhibitions, and patriotic displays across the city.
Rawalpindi Also Declares Local Holiday
Following Islamabad’s announcement, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema also declared August 13 a local holiday across the district. The order, issued under the authority of the Services and General Administration Department of the Punjab government, applies to most public and private offices and institutions.
As in Islamabad, departments responsible for emergency and essential services will remain operational, ensuring uninterrupted public safety, healthcare, and utility services. Copies of the official order were sent to the Chief Secretary Punjab, Secretary to the Chief Minister, Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Regional Police Officer, City Police Officer, and all Assistant Commissioners in the district for implementation.
Two Consecutive Days Off for Twin Cities
With August 14 already a nationwide public holiday for Pakistan’s Independence Day, residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi will enjoy two consecutive days off. This back-to-back break is expected to increase public participation in Independence Day events, reduce traffic congestion during preparations, and allow more families to attend cultural programmes, parades, and airshows.
Local traders and event organisers have welcomed the decision, stating that the extra day will help in completing decorations, installing lighting, arranging floats, and preparing stage programmes in time for the main festivities.
Nationwide Preparations for the 79th Independence Day
Across Pakistan, preparations are in full swing to celebrate the 79th Independence Day with national zeal. Government buildings in all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan are being illuminated with decorative lighting and adorned with patriotic banners, flags, and motifs.
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Special thematic floats, representing historical moments of Pakistan’s creation and key victories in its history, will be part of parades and exhibitions. This year’s celebrations will prominently feature the Marka-e-Haq military success, which officials say has boosted national pride. Schools, colleges, and community centres are designing programmes focusing on the unity, resilience, and sacrifices that define the Pakistani nation.
Security and Public Safety Measures
Given the large crowds expected in the twin cities during Independence Day celebrations, local authorities have increased security arrangements. The ICT Police and Rawalpindi Police are coordinating with traffic management units to ensure smooth movement of vehicles, especially around event venues such as parade grounds, parks, and public squares.
Checkpoints, surveillance systems, and crowd-control measures will be in place to safeguard participants. Families are being encouraged to arrive early at major events to avoid last-minute congestion.
Highlight Events on August 14
The highlight of the Islamabad celebrations will be the Pakistan Air Force’s airshow, featuring aerobatic displays, flypasts, and formation flying by fighter jets. Cultural performances, musical shows, and exhibitions showcasing Pakistan’s history and heritage are also planned.
In Rawalpindi, the main flag-hoisting ceremony will take place at the Commissioner’s Office, followed by a patriotic parade and public gathering. Various non-governmental organisations and youth groups are expected to arrange rallies, food distribution drives, and community services to mark the day.
Public Response
Residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have expressed appreciation for the extra holiday, noting that it will allow them to prepare for Independence Day with greater enthusiasm and less stress. Many families are planning to use August 13 for decorating homes, shopping for flags and accessories, and participating in local pre-Independence events.
Social media is already buzzing with Independence Day hashtags, and traders report a surge in sales of green and white clothing, badges, bunting, and decorative lights.
