Independence Day celebrations: Patriotic fervour rising in twin cities

Buyers showing more national pride than ever before as flag sales go up

ISLAMABAD: With the Independence Day approaching, people have made their way to various markets and stalls to shop for various items which display a patriotic fervour.

Sales of green and white themed clothes and baked goods are soaring.

A large number of women and children alike are really excited to see attractive clothes, all covered in the national colours of green and white. The sales of the national flag have also gone up, indicative of a rising sense of patriotism and unity.

Keeping up with the spirit of Independence Day, buntings, badges, balloons, stickers, flags, green and white coloured clothing for both men and women have become an essential item of the national day celebrations.

Whether it is in local stores or malls, bazaars, markets and footpaths, the national colours of green and white can be seen everywhere.

Sales have gone up dramatically ever since the introduction of "patriotic clothes," said a citizen Asma Iman.

T-shirts inscribed with slogans such as "Jashan-e-Azaadi" and "Pakistan Zindabad" have become quite popular, said a shopkeeper Imran Javed.

For the women, white shirts with green embroidery and green Kurtis with a touch of white have gained popularity, he added.

We are quite satisfied with the way their sales have gone up, another shopkeeper Kami Khan said.

"We are trying our best to keep the customers satisfied by introducing the latest designs in the market. So far, the results are really good with respect to sales," said a shopkeeper.

The people, however, say that although the quality and type of clothes available in stores nowadays is really good, the prices should be lowered significantly so that such clothes are within the reach of everyone and not just a certain class of buyers.

"We are living in a 'Naya Pakistan' now so the clothes should also be less expensive," said one shopper Mohsin Ali.

Another female customer Huma Sheikh said, "Prices should be normalised in accordance with the variety of the clothes."

Whether the shopkeepers decide to lower the prices remains to be seen, but Pakistan is all set to be greener and whiter come August 14.

"Wearing the ‘Azadi dress’ and other accessories is just a way to show our love for the country, it is our way of making this day a festive one," said 20-year-old Zainab Mussa.

Along with the dresses shoppers have also become inclined to buy green and white coloured accessories such as bangles, shoes and badges to celebrate the occasion.

The national symbol

People belonging to every walk of life especially youngsters have become busy in decorating their houses and vehicles with national flags as the nation starts preparations to celebrate Independence Day.

The capital is wearing the green and white look with the national flag at each nook and corner while stalls of different Azadi accessories are surrounded by youngsters who are eagerly waiting for Independence Day celebrations to commence.

Shops, vehicles and motorbikes on all roads of the city could be seen decorated with green and white colours, said 43-year-old Abbas Ali.

Many families have covered the roofs of their cars and windscreens with the national flags.

The national flag is also being raised atop homes and vehicles along with buntings and stickers to give the final touches to their preparations for Independence Day.

The display stalls along the roadside in the main markets and roads have become the centre of attraction for most of the youngsters.

"I saw a huge rush of children and youngsters at these stalls buying flags and stickers to decorate their cars and vans which reflect their patriotic spirit and enthusiasm," said a roadside vendor.

"We want to encourage citizens to decorate their homes, offices, shops, plazas, markets, banks, petrol pumps, hotels, restaurants and cars, motorbikes, cycles and rickshaws for Independence Day," Ajmal said.

The vendors have expressed elation that the sale of Independence items was increasing every year, which was an indication of rising national fervour among people to celebrate their Independence Day.

Themed baked goods

Celebrating the special occasion, bakeries all across the federal capital are gearing up for Independence Day with a range of special offerings.

In this regard, a large number of people are booking orders for special cakes to celebrate Independence Day with their loved ones.

“We make the most of discounts [handed out by outlets on Independence Day] and give our customers a patriotic spin and celebrate freedom with food,” said the manager of a local restaurant.

"Our branches around the city have recorded a 50 per cent increase in sales,” claimed a bakery manager, adding that they cater to a large number of clients who have booked their orders in advance for August 14 celebrations.

"We know that independence days are such special occasions for expatriates so our bakers work in 24-hour split shifts to complete the orders," he added. "Buying sweets and cakes for Independence Day is obligatory and we have already placed orders to celebrate Azadi festival with full zeal," said, Hamid, a customer.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2018.