Pakistan Railways employees walk past Azadi Train. PHOTO: AFP
A large number of youngsters, as well as children, can be seen at different stalls carrying Jashan-e-Azadi accessories that include dresses, bunting, flags, badges, souvenirs and other stuff to celebrate the day with zeal and enthusiasm, showing love for the country and national heroes.
A vendor holds national flags. PHOTO: AFP
The capital is wearing green and white look with national flags mounted at every nook and corner, while stalls of different Azadi accessories are surrounded by youngsters who are eagerly waiting for the Independence Day.
“Like every year, people are showing great patriotic zeal towards celebrating the national day. They [people] started their preparations even before the advent of August,” Afshan Syed, a resident of I-10 Markaz, said.
“My children have decorated our home and car with bunting and flags. They have also purchased Azadi shirts available at roadside stalls,” she said.
Aslam Raza, who lives in Jinnah Super, said the roadside stalls established in the area have become a centre of attraction for most of the people.
“Since the start of August, I see a lot of children and youngsters at these stalls while going back home in the evening which reflects their patriotism and enthusiasm,” he added.
Vendors sell flags, badges and masks in Rawalpindi. PHOTO: AGHA MEHROZ/EXPRESS
Rushing to markets
Sadia Khan, a young student, said: “My friends and I will wear the flag-coloured suits on the Independence Day. We will also buy other matching items, like green and white bangles, shoes and pin badges.”
She said I-Day has now become a time of festivity and people irrespective of their age participate in the celebrations with zeal to mark the day.
Public and private departments have also planned a number of activities, including seminars, discussion programmes, debate and national song competitions, walks and other events in connection with the I-Day celebrations.
Different programmes will also be arranged to pay tribute to the national heroes and the leaders of Pakistan Movement who laid their lives for the country.
Houses, in general and government offices, in particular will be illuminated on the eve of Independence Day.
Students of a public school look at the pictures of Independence Movement on display at Lok Virsa. PHOTO: ZAFAR ASLAM/EXPRESS
Many food outlets have introduced discounted deals to attract food lovers while different boutiques and shops have started showcasing a wide range of Azadi dresses.
Azadi toys are latest addition to the I-Day accessories and children are taking keen interest in buying these.
Azadi items
The nation appears more enthusiastic in celebrating the Independence Day this year, as evident from the sale of Independence Day items in twin cities, Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Stalls are loaded with flags, T-shirts, bangles, badges, wrist bands, caps, face masks, glasses, balloons, goggles and CD’s recorded with national songs.
People are flocking to bazars to purchase national flags, badges, buntings and lights to illuminate their houses and buildings to exhibit love for their country.
Vendors started selling Independence Day products as soon as the month of August began, said Ghazanfar, a citizen.
“Of all the people, children celebrate Independence Day with the most pleasure and pride,” a vendor, Habib, said.
Activities such as flag hoisting, fireworks, musical shows, and illumination of government buildings are gaining momentum.
“Good thing is that many schools are also organising functions to celebrate the I-Day. This has increased our sales,” Kashif, another street vendor, said.
Mayor orders fireworks
Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) will celebrate Independence Day in graceful and dignified manner and will try to engage all citizens of the federal capital in Independence Day festivities.
The IMC has arranged a number of activities for this purpose, Mayor and CDA Chairman Sheikh Anser Aziz expressed these views while chairing a meeting held at the CDA headquarters.
On this occasion, Executive Director General, Sports and Culture SanaullahAman and senior officers of relevant formations were also present.
Sanaullah Aman briefed the mayor that colourful activities have been planned in connection with Independence Day celebrations to highlight the importance of independence in the capital city.
He informed that Azadi Mela will be organised on August 14 at Arts and Craft village.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 12th, 2017.
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