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News Excerpt:

Recently, Pakistan has decided to hold its National Day celebrations in New Delhi again this year after a four-year gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the deteriorating ties between the two countries.

Lahore Resolution, 1940:

• The Lahore Resolution was adopted by the All-India Muslim League during its general session in Lahore from March 22 to March 24, 1940.

• • It formally called for an independent state for India’s Muslims.

• • The resolution does not include the word ‘Pakistan’ anywhere.

• Pakistan celebrates 23 March as its National Day.

• In 1956, on the same day, Pakistan officially adopted its first Constitution, which transformed the Dominion of Pakistan into the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. 
• The Minar-e-Pakistan (1960-68) was built at the site where the resolution was adopted. The text of the resolution is inscribed at the base of the tower.

• The Lahore Resolution was criticised by many Indian Muslims, like Abul Kalam Azad and the Deoband ulema led by Husain Ahmad Madani, who advocated for a united India.

The Subject matter of Lahore resolution:

• The resolution declared the following:
• “It is the considered view of this Session of the All India Muslim League that no constitutional plan would be workable in this country or acceptable to Muslims unless it is designed on the following basic principle, namely that geographically contiguous units are demarcated into regions which should be so constituted, with such territorial readjustments as may be necessary, that the areas in which the Muslims are numerically in the majority as in the North-Western and Eastern Zones of India, should be grouped to constitute “Independent States” in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and sovereign.”
• “In other parts of India where the Mussalmans are in a minority, adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards shall be specially provided in the constitution for them and other minorities for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other rights and interests in consultation with them.”
• Wordings of the resolution, such as “North-Western and Eastern Zones of India” and “Independent States,” led many leaders to debate whether the resolution actually called for two different states to the east and west of India. 

How is the Pakistan National Day observed in New Delhi?

• Pakistan National Day is celebrated on or around March 23 at Pakistan’s embassy complex in New Delhi. 
• It is attended by foreign diplomats and Indians. 
• Usually, a Minister or a Minister of State is invited to attend the event as the chief guest.
• National anthems of both countries are played at the occasion, followed by speeches by the Pakistan high commissioner and the chief guest. 
• This year’s Pakistan National Day is tentatively scheduled for 28 March.

Conclusion:

The Lahore Resolution of 1940 marked a significant step towards the eventual creation of Pakistan, calling for an independent state for India's Muslims. The annual observance of Pakistan National Day in New Delhi reflects a diplomatic gesture amid complex bilateral relations between the two countries.