Rangeela Rickshaw rally adds colour to August 14 celebrations

Local residents say the event is an attempt to show patriotism in a unique manner

LAHORE: The residents of Bhatti Gate, in collaboration with Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), organised a rally on Rangeela Rickshaws inside the walled city on Friday.

The rally started from Bhatti Gate with 15 Rangeela Rickshaws and travelled around the circular road and Minar-e-Pakistan. Almost 100 residents participated in this rally with each Rickshaw donning a Pakistan flag. Nasir Chaudhry, a resident of Bhatti Gate, said this activity was an attempt to show patriotism in a unique manner.

“This place (the walled city) has always been a hub of peace and tranquillity. We are giving a message to the world that we all are united under one flag and we love our country,” he said.

Amjad Nizami, another resident of Bhatti Gate, said they have encouraged people from all age groups to join in the festivities. “We want to tell the world that we are a brave nation and we can do anything for our country,” he said.



“Such activities are important to inculcate nationalism in our youth. These are small things which can make a big difference in the country,” he added. On the other hand, the royal trail from Delhi Gate to Wazir Khan Mosque has also been illuminated with lights and flags.

Social Mobilisation and Fort Director Asif Zaheer said local residents, especially shopkeepers, have an important role to play in these activities. “The plan is to decorate every shop and house with Pakistan’s flag. Media WLCA Deputy Director Tania Qureshi said the royal trail was illuminated in a way that visitors were able to see the old city in a new light and angle.

WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari said the Walled City has always been famous because of its enthusiastic residents, especially during the month of Independence.

“This is yet another unique style of celebrating the 70th Independence Day for walled city residents,” he added.

He said as August 14 was approaching, residents would be participating in many such activities like talent shows and musical evenings which have not been arranged on such a large scale before.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2017.