Rains, inflation dampen I-Day prep

High cost of flags, related items discourage many from participating in celebrations

RAWALPINDI:

Preparations for Pakistan's 77th Independence Day have been subdued this year, because of continuous monsoon rains, widespread flooding, and soaring inflation. The festive atmosphere usually seen in streets, neighbourhoods, and markets is absent, reflecting the challenging circumstances.

Public enthusiasm has waned as shopkeepers and stallholders have hiked prices for national flags and children's garments with national flag themes, further discouraging participation. Despite this, official preparations have intensified, with government buildings being adorned with colourful flags and electric lanterns, set to be completed by Tuesday (today).

The deputy commissioner has ordered all government buildings to be fully decorated by today, with official fireworks planned at the Civil Defense Office. However, a ban on public fireworks remains in effect.

In the low-lying areas hit hardest by inflation and floods, national flags are noticeably absent from the streets and markets. The high cost of flags and themed garments has deterred many from participating in the celebrations.

Flags are selling for Rs450 to Rs550, while children's suits range from Rs1,800 to Rs3,000. Even small items like badges and caps are priced steeply, with badges costing Rs100 and caps between Rs50 to Rs200. Many citizens are calling on the district administration to distribute flags for free or at subsidised rates to boost participation.

The Central Anjuman-e-Tajiran Association has announced to mark Independence Day with simplicity, acknowledging the severe impact of inflation and floods. Cake-cutting events will take place in major markets across the city, but the overall mood remains subdued. Meanwhile, children and young adults in inner-city areas have shifted their focus to buying loud horns, adding a disruptive element to the usually peaceful streets.

Vendors, such as Naveed Khan and Faisal Abbasi, report a sharp decline in sales of flags and badges this year. The focus has shifted to horns, which are in high demand despite the overall low turnout. Abbasi said that many government employees and officers are not wearing national flag badges this year due to inflation. The situation has led some stallholders, who were selling horns in Islamabad, to relocate their businesses to Rawalpindi, where no ban on horns has been imposed.

This year's Independence Day celebrations have been deeply affected by inflation and natural disasters, leaving the spirit of the occasion dampened.