Petrol, gas crisis forces Pakistan to cancel Republic Day parade, celebrations
India Today
Amid a dire energy crisis triggered by the choking of the Strait of Hormuz, Islamabad has cancelled the celebrations and the parade scheduled for Pakistan Day. The March 23 observance will now be marked with "simplicity and dignity", said Pakistani PM Shahbaz Sharif's office, as fuel shortages and soaring costs hit the people hard.
The energy crisis triggered by the US-Israel-Iran war in the Middle East now has a new casualty. Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday announced its decision to cancel the military parade and ceremonial proceedings scheduled for March 23, the Islamic Republic's Republic Day, according to reports.
The office of PM Shehbaz Sharif said, "In light of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and the austerity measures announced by the government, it has been decided that the Pakistan Day parade scheduled for March 23 and all associated ceremonies will not be held".
The decision by Islamabad comes amid a dire energy crisis triggered by disruptions in oil supply from the Strait of Hormuz and the continued enforcement of austerity measures in response.
This marks a rare pause in observances of the day tied to the 1940 Lahore Resolution, when the All-India Muslim League formally demanded a separate country for Muslims. This move eventually led to the Partition of India in 1947.
It was on March 23, 1956, that Pakistan formally became a republic with the adoption of its first Constitution, nine years after its birth.
Days after the war in the Middle East started, cash-strapped Pakistan had pressed the panic button. It had turned to Covid-era measures like work from home and online classes to ensure fewer vehicles were on the road.
Dr Pratibha Nikhar Juneja shares a heartfelt account of treating her former medical college teacher, describing the moment as both special and deeply meaningful.
The instruction from the university came as China seeks to boost birth rates, which dropped to a record low in 2025.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is using posters with images of India's Taj Mahal to promise free tickets and a cash payout of $2,600 to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily deport themselves from the US. Ironically, a monument for love has been turned into one of hate for immigrants.
A viral video of a little girl insisting on getting a "Virat Kohli waala" jersey has caught Puma's attention, with the brand asking the internet to help find her and gift an official jersey.
Israel urges Iranians to rise even as it privately fears a bloodbath. A leaked US cable reveals stark warnings, shifting US stance, and the risks facing protesters as the war enters a dangerous new phase.
History's great powers rose on innovation, dominated through trade, then crumbled under peripheral wars. As US strikes on Iran escalate costs and nuclear risks, the familiar pattern emerges.
The reference goes back to Stubb's recent India visit, where he revealed that his son had introduced him to Dhurandhar, a political espionage thriller directed by Aditya Dhar. The video came just days ahead of Dhurandhar 2's upcoming theatrical release on March 19.
With the Israel-US-Iran war in its 18th day, the natural question is who's winning it. It is a difficult question to answer in an asymmetric war. However, we look at the targets of both sides and try to give a perspective of who is ahead in this war.
The US president's remarks came hours after Joe Kent publicly announced he was stepping down because he opposed the Trump administration's military campaign in Iran, saying it was done due to pressure from Israel.
A viral Instagram video depicting a group of men taking a McDonald's cup for a 'fun' reel has triggered widespread criticism on social media platforms, raising concerns about civic responsibility and online behaviour.
We don't need the help of anyone: Trump slams Nato nations after most distance themselves from Iran war
