Rising cost of festive goods fades patriotic spirit

With the nation's 78th Independence Day approaching, sales of national flags, flag-themed clothing, and decorative lights have fallen by 30 to 37 per cent compared with last year, owing to crippling inflation.

However, loud air horns and fireworks continue to sell at their usual pace. The mounting inflation has deprived an already struggling nation of the joy of celebrating the country's 78th I-D.

In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, it is estimated that 95% of residents have been unable, despite their wishes, to hoist the national flag on rooftops, cars, motorbikes, or bicycles this year. Street and market decorations are also at a record low. With the cost of flags, children's patriotic clothing, and decorative lights soaring, public celebrations have been markedly muted. Inflation is steadily eroding every occasion for joy, great or small.

In response to government directives, the Rawalpindi district administration has issued urgent instructions to all public offices and institutions to adorn their premises with colourful bunting, electric illuminations, and national flags.

Departments including the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Social Security, the Education and Health Departments, Barani University, Fatima Jinnah Women University, the Education Board, the Agriculture and Forestry Departments, government schools, assistant commissioners and the Revenue Department have begun decorating markets at public expense.

Government offices have also started displaying Independence Day banners and panaflex posters funded from official budgets.

Although the administration instructed all officers and employees to wear national flag badges from August 1 to 14, around 95% of them have failed to comply. In commercial areas, only large retail chains have decorated their premises, while in the residential streets of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, flags on rooftops are a rare sight.

From Marrir Chowk to Faizabad, some 51 stalls along Murree Road are offering national flags in various sizes, badges, and children's Independence Day outfits. Yet sales have been strikingly poor.

Currently, flags cost between Rs200 and Rs1,000, while children's flag-themed suits range from Rs2,500 to Rs4,500.