India, March 19 -- Pakistan faces a historic disruption to its national celebrations as the government cancels the Republic Day parade on March 23 amid a severe oil crisis. Rising fuel prices and global energy supply disruptions caused by Middle East conflicts have forced the country to adopt stringent austerity measures, impacting everything from government operations to public events.

PM Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that while the parade and military pageantry will not take place, the day will be observed with a simple flag-hoisting ceremony, preserving the dignity of the national holiday. This unprecedented decision highlights the economic vulnerability of Pakistan to global energy shocks and signals a broader period of austerity and care...