All set to celebrate Independence Day

People in twin cities in festive mood as fear of coronavirus pandemic ebbs

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD:

The locals of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are set to celebrate the 74th Independence Day on Friday (today) with an apparent freedom from the fear of Covid-19 pandemic.

The gloom of prolonged lockdown seemed to have vanished as droves of people thronged markets to buy flags, badges and other Independence Day items. Rarely anyone was seen maintaining social distancing in the overall cheerful ambiance at stalls selling the national flags.

The twin cities turned green and white with flags and buntings while brightly illuminated buildings and localities gave a festive look. The air was ringing with sounds of national songs promoting unity among the diverse cultures of the motherland.

While people stocked up on flags, masks, vuvuzelas the government departments were scrambling to maintain law and order and ensuring safety of the residents.

All the arrangements have been finalized by Rawalpindi District Administration, District Police, City Traffic Police, Punjab Emergency Service, Rescue-1122 and Civil Defence as the region is all set to celebrate Independence Day in befitting manner on August 14, Friday.

On the eve of 74th Independence Day of Pakistan, the citizens will celebrate Jashan-e-Azadi with full zeal and enthusiasm and the preparations to mark the day in a befitting manner were in full swing here on Thursday.

With the start of August, Jashan-e-Azadi preparations were started here in every nook and corner of the city to celebrate Independence Day with great enthusiasm and national fervour. All the main buildings including Rawalpindi Railway Station, Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment Board offices, Askari Plaza, Mall Road, Metro Track, Murree Road, RDA, WASA buildings, National Bank Saddar Main Branch, Bank Road, Mall Road and several other areas were decorated to mark the Independence Day.

The buildings were being illuminated and a number of colourful activities have also been planned to mark this occasion with great enthusiasm. Different public and private departments will hold special functions and activities including seminars, discussion programmes, photographic exhibitions, painting, poetry, national songs and debate competitions with the focus on acknowledging the contribution of leaders of Pakistan movement and sacrifices of national heroes.

The printers and makers of buntings, flags, banners and badges were fully engaged in their business. Jashan-e-Azadi preparations reached at its peak on Thursday and the citizens are getting ready to celebrate the Independence Day with zeal and zest.

Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) arranged artisans exhibition, photographic exhibitions and other activities to mark Independence Day.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2020.