March 23 is the most important day of the year for Pakistan. I need not elaborate on it too much as the people already know what it means. That is why I say the cold shoulder given by the government to the commemoration of our Republic Day is utterly disgusting. Are we not an independent republic any more? Do we need Mr. Obama's permission to even celebrate our independence? I demand an explanation and apology from the government for this flagrant oversight or vicious conspiracy, whatever it may be. -AMJAD H. MIRZA, Lahore, via e-mail, March 23.