Celebrating freedom : Islamabad prepares for Independence Day

Every year, hundreds of kiosks and stalls selling flags, buntings, badges, shirts and other merchandise spring up throughout the city, well ahead of the Independence Day. Come August, it’s common to see Islamabad’s streets, bazaars and souks come to life with all things green and white.

There were speculations that Pakistan’s 73rd year of independence may lack the zeal of previous years, considering the pandemic threat which still looms over the Islamic Republic. However, with the lockdown restrictions removed and markets and city-centres open to the public, it appears the capital is ready to celebrate August 14th with the same ardour as always, if not more.

Weeks before the holiday, Islamabad’s markets are once again abuzz with kiosks and stalls boasting a variety of Independence Day paraphernalia, all imported from neighbouring China.

According to a market source, this year, huge quantities of Kashmiri flags and badges have also been imported from China along with Pakistani products, to show the country’s support for Kashmir’s ongoing struggle for Independence. Per details, giant-sized flags, banners and curtains of green tinsel and LED lights are also imported and set for sale at many of these street-side stalls.

“These are for houses and buildings. Like every year, all government and non-government buildings in Islamabad are to be decorated in green and white for the Independence Day festivities. There are just a few days left before the holiday, everyone’s excited and sales are at an all-time high right now.”

Asif Mehmood Bhatti, a trader selling national flags shared that there is greater enthusiasm this year, as compared to the past. The public is excited about not only showing their resilience in times of uncertainty but are also ardent about standing up with the people of Kashmir. “However, be it independence paraphernalia for Kashmir or Pakistan, all of it is specially designed and manufactured in China and imported into local markets. Some items are still made locally, but the Chinese quality is unmatched,” expressed Bhatti. According to the vendor, two decades ago, most of the flags for sale on Independence Day would be hand-stitched by local tailors, but the cost grew over time and the Chinese market offered more lucrative prices. “These Chinese-made flags range anywhere between Rs50 to Rs3,000 in Islamabad’s market depending on their size. Children are the biggest customers at our stalls. They are lured by vividly coloured Independence Day paraphernalia, while women and girls come in search of flag-coloured bangles and dupattas,” told Bhatti. Children Aiza Faraz and Arman present at the stall said that they are excited about celebrating August 14 with their friends and family. “We have been preparing for weeks for the holiday. We will hoist a huge flag on our roof and all our friends will come to watch it wave in the air on Independence Day,” the children delightfully shared.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2020.