By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD – Father’s Day is being observed across Pakistan and many countries around the world on Sunday, paying tribute to fathers and father figures whose sacrifices, guidance and unwavering support help shape families and future generations.
Marked annually on the third Sunday of June, the occasion celebrates the role fathers play in raising children and providing emotional, moral and financial support throughout their lives.
Family experts say fathers are much more than providers, describing them as mentors and role models who help instill discipline, values and confidence in their children. They note that fathers often work quietly behind the scenes, placing the well-being and future of their families above their own ambitions and comforts.
The origins of Father’s Day date back to 1910 in the United States, when Sonora Smart Dodd sought to honour her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised six children alone following the death of his wife. More than six decades later, the day received official national recognition in the United States in 1972 and gradually became a global observance.
Over the years, Father’s Day has gained popularity in Pakistan and many other countries, with families marking the occasion by spending quality time together, exchanging gifts and expressing appreciation through messages, photographs and social media posts.
Sociologists believe such occasions help reinforce family ties and encourage gratitude in an increasingly fast-paced world. They say Father’s Day is not merely a symbolic celebration but an opportunity to recognize the silent struggles, unconditional love and lifelong commitment fathers dedicate to their families.
Many people used the occasion to remember fathers who are no longer with them, while others expressed appreciation for the sacrifices and encouragement they continue to receive from their parents.Father’s Day serves as a reminder of the indispensable role fathers play in nurturing, protecting and guiding their children through every stage of life.
The observance strengthens family bonds and encourages people to express appreciation and gratitude to fathers whose contributions often go unrecognized.As social values evolve, experts expect greater emphasis on shared parenting and the emotional involvement of fathers, alongside their traditional responsibilities.Although not a public holiday, Father’s Day has become increasingly popular in Pakistan, reflecting growing recognition of the importance of family values and parental appreciation in society.
