هشام الجرايشة

India and Pakistan legally became independent on 15 August 1947 under the Indian Independence Act, but Pakistan observes 14 August because its principal transfer-of-power ceremony took place in Karachi that day, while India followed the statutory date. The timing reflected Lord Mountbatten’s accelerated timetable and logistical difficulties in attending ceremonies in both capitals. Pakistan initially used 15 August on commemorative stamps, but shifted its annual celebration to 14 August in 1948. Independence also coincided with the hurried and violent partition of British India, with the Radcliffe boundaries withheld until 17 August and millions displaced across religious lines.