As Pakistan's 78th Independence Day approaches, a wave of green and white is sweeping across the country, exuding patriotic fervour, emotional pride, and historical remembrance.
While national flag flutters proudly atop homes, private and official buildings ahead of Independence Day celebrations, the bazaars and streets are alive with green and white colour and joy.
More so, the celebrations depict a sense of belonging of being part of a great story that began with struggle and sacrifice during the Pakistan movement that continues with hope and resilience.
In remote areas like erstwhile Fata, including Waziristan, Orakzai, Kurram, Khyber, Mohmand and Bajaur, the same spirit persists.
"I have purchased 500 green badges and stickers for my family and relatives as part of Jashin-e-Azadi celebrations. It's our way of showing immeasurable love for Pakistan," said Asghar Afridi, a journalist from Bara, Khyber district in Peshawar said.
With his young son helping decorate the family car at the bustling Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Afridi's joy was full of national enthusiasm. "This is our family tradition we have followed since creation of Pakistan and now I am passing it on to the next generation with immense pride," reiterates Afridi.
From Landi Kotal to Torkham and Jamrud to Shalman valley, all bazaars, markets and streets in Khyber district are adorned with colourful bunting and lights.
Irrespective of caste and colours, tribal youth, children, and elders alike can be seen donning green-and-white outfits, echoing a common sentiment such as this is our celebration and our tribute to the great nation and Quaid e Azam that gave us an identity and freedom on August 14, 1947.
"Pakistan was not gifted to us rather it was earned through blood and sacrifices," said Shah Jee Gul Afridi, former MNA and a respected elder of the Afridi tribe, while talking to APP.
"We are honouring those sacrifices by celebrating Jashn-e-Azadi with full zeal and patriotism."
The connection of the tribal people with the creation of Pakistan is not just emotional but historical. In 1948, just months after the country's independence, Founder of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited Peshawar where he addressed a grand tribal jirga at the Governor House here.
There, in the heart of K-P, he acknowledged the loyalty and sacrifices of the tribesmen calling them a "frontline force" of the Pakistan Movement.
"The great Quaid had deep respect for the tribes' patriotism and their love for Islam and Pakistan," said Prof Dr AH Hilali, former Chairman of the Political Science Department at the University of Peshawar.
"He emphasised education and development as keys to their future and today, those words still resonate."
Quaid's love for education led him to promise a university for the region, a vision fulfilled with the establishment of the University of Peshawar near the historic Islamia College - another site he visited three times and highly praised its students' role during the Pakistan Movement."
The scenes playing out in these tribal regions today reflect a deeper narrative not just of celebration, but for peace and development. "We see lights, we see national flags, but we also see a determination among our youth to build a better and prosperous future for their country," said Afridi.
"My son is already asking questions about the Pakistan Movement, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Dr Alama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam and what independence means. That's where the real celebration begins, creating awareness and education of young minds about Pakistan."
In an area long known more for security and economic challenges than festivity, this great transformation speaks volumes of tribesmen's love for their country. Where once silence loomed, now laughter, joy and music echo through narrow alleys and open bazaars.
The tribal belt, once on the margins of national attention, is today stepping forward, waving the national flag not just as a symbol of statehood, but as a badge of honour and prestige. As the clock ticks closer to August 14, the message from people of erstwhile FATA is clear that "We are Pakistan, and Pakistan is us."
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ