Tensions fail to dampen zeal at border ceremonies

Fearless poise, fierce glares, and signature moustache twirls — these are the hallmark of Pakistan Rangers soldiers who participate daily in flag-raising and lowering ceremonies at joint border posts.

Amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, the atmosphere at these events has become especially charged – brimming with national zeal and thunderous slogans echoing across the Wagah and Ganda Singh Wala borders. More than a ceremonial tradition, these parades serve as a powerful message: Pakistan stands united, vigilant, and ready to respond to any aggression.

On Sunday, thousands of Pakistanis braved the ongoing regional strain and flocked to both borders to witness the Pakistan Rangers Punjab in action. At Wagah, the energy was electric. Chants of "Allah-o-Akbar" and "Pakistan Zindabad" reverberated through the crowd as families, including mothers with infants, gathered in large numbers. The border became a vibrant stage for national unity and patriotic fervour.

Pakistan Rangers Punjab stole the show with their commanding performance. Their powerful stomps and synchronised manoeuvres stirred national pride and appeared to evoke a similar response from Indian troops on the other side.

A similar spirit thrived at the Ganda Singh Wala border in Kasur district. Though the scale was more modest compared to Wagah, the enthusiasm was no less. Spectators witnessed a compelling show of military discipline and a symbolic exchange of body language between Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel.

Because of heightened tensions, the zero-line barrier at Ganda Singh Wala was not removed, and the ceremonial flag-lowering did not include the usual cross-border interaction. Citizens expressed pride and national fervour during the event.

"These scenes fill our hearts with joy," said one attendee. "Every Pakistani stands ready not only with words but with action, if the enemy dares challenge us." A Lahore resident meanwhile showered rose petals on the Rangers, while on the Indian side of Ganda Singh Wala, the stands remained largely empty.

On the eastern edge of Lahore, just before sunset each day, the daily flag-lowering ceremony between Pakistan Rangers Punjab and India's BSF at Wagah becomes the stage for a stirring display of national pride, discipline, and unity.

Here, the ceremony is being held without interruption since August 14, 1959, but now it has evolved beyond a military ritual into a powerful expression of patriotism and public solidarity. People from across the country gathered at the border, turning the event into a national spectacle.

"When the national flag is lowered, my heart races with emotion," said an elderly man. "Every Pakistani here feels like a soldier." A woman attending the ceremony remarked: "Coming here, you realise we are not Sindhi, Baloch, Punjabi, or Pashtun. We are Pakistanis first—and that is our true identity."

A visitor from Karachi added, "We are not intimidated by threats. If war is imposed on us, we will prepare even our children will defend the motherland. This land is the fruit of our forefathers' sacrifices—we will not let it be harmed."

India on April 24 curtailed the participation of the people in the ceremony on its side and was keeping the gates shut. In contrast, Pakistan has continued to uphold the tradition with full vigour, sending a clear message to the world: the spirit of this nation cannot be broken.