Ishaq Dar says Pakistan missions abroad to mark March 23 with simplicity

Diplomatic posts will hold only traditional flag-hoisting ceremonies this year

Pakistan’s missions abroad will observe this year’s March 23 National Day with simplicity and limit celebrations to traditional flag-hoisting ceremonies, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday.

This year’s 23rd March National Day will be observed with simplicity at all Pakistan’s Missions abroad, limited to the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony.

In the light of Prime Minister’s announced austerity measures, and as a mark of solidarity with the countries and peoples of…

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) March 12, 2026

In a post on X, Dar said the country’s diplomatic missions would not host National Day receptions this year in light of austerity measures announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“This year’s 23rd March National Day will be observed with simplicity at all Pakistan’s Missions abroad, limited to the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony,” Dar wrote, adding that the decision was also taken “as a mark of solidarity with the countries and peoples of the Middle East and the wider region affected by the ongoing conflict and the tragic loss of innocent lives.”

He said Pakistan hoped dialogue and diplomacy would prevail and that peace, stability and prosperity would soon return to the region.

Pakistan marks its National Day on March 23 each year to commemorate the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, a landmark moment in the movement that ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan.

The decision comes amid a series of austerity measures announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the government seeks to reduce public expenditure and respond to the economic and regional situation.

Read: Govt to ensure financial stability

Under the plan, the government introduced a number of cost-cutting steps across federal institutions. These include reducing fuel allocations for official vehicles, limiting foreign travel by government officials, and curbing government-funded receptions and ceremonial events.

The austerity package also calls for a reduction in discretionary spending across ministries and departments, alongside efforts to lower operational costs in the public sector. The measures were introduced as part of a broader effort by the government to conserve resources and demonstrate fiscal discipline.

The move also comes as tensions and conflict in the Middle East continue to raise concerns globally.

Officials have said the government’s decisions are intended both to manage economic pressures and to express solidarity with countries affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.