Inflation dampens Independence Day festive spirit

Preparations for Pakistan's 79th Independence Day are underway across the twin cities, with stalls selling national flags, badges, decorative lights, clothing and scarves appearing in markets and commercial centres.

However, traders say sales have yet to pick up as soaring prices and inflation have reduced public purchasing power.

Despite the widespread availability of Independence Day merchandise, many government offices have not introduced the annual practice of asking employees to wear national flag badges between August 1 and 14.

Flags hoisted on rooftops and balconies, which used to be a common sight among residential neighbourhoods, have also become hard to spot. Motorists seem to be skipping the trend of sporting flags on vehicles' hoods and windows.

Flag vendors have reported a downfall in sales and said that prices have doubled compared to last year. Large national flags are selling for Rs2,000, medium-sized flags for Rs1,200 and smaller ones for Rs500 to Rs700.

Children's flag-themed outfits are priced between Rs3,000 and Rs5,000, while badges range from Rs30 to Rs80.

Flag-themed dupattas cost between Rs1,200 and Rs2,000, and decorative Chinese lighting has also become significantly more expensive.

The rates for installing electric lights on Independence Day have also been doubled. This year, a small set of Chinese electric lights is priced at Rs 7,000, while rented electric lights are priced at Rs 3,000 per day.

Flag vendor Niaz Abbasi, who sets up stall at Murree Chowk, said traders had also purchased flags at higher prices and were hoping for profitable sales until August 14. He said that traders will remain at their stalls until Independence Day trying to clear out their stock.

Punjab Teachers Union President Sufi Ramzan Inqalabi urged the government to distribute national flags free of cost among motorists, saying inflation had made them unaffordable for many families.

Earlier, citizens would purchase flags and other accessories before August 14, promoting a festive separate around this time of year. However, as reports suggest, people are now opting to stay home on the national holiday owing to inflation. The harsh reality of inflation has negatively impacted seasonal businesses and other trades.

Producers and shopkeepers are expressing their frustration over the rising costs, which have led to a significant decline in sales.

"While enthusiasm among citizens remains high, inflation has led many to engage in window shopping rather than making purchases, said shopkeepers while speaking to The Express Tribune.

The rising prices have put many items out of the reach of a large number of people who are buying only affordable items like badges, children's accessories, and small flags. Parents, eager to support their children's participation in school events, are shopping for flags, badges, and other clothing accessories. They hope to instill a sense of patriotism and national pride in their children through these purchases.

Celebration prep

At the same time, the schedule for official flag-hoisting ceremonies on Independence Day across various institutions has also been released. The Rawalpindi High Court Bench, District Bar Association, Police Line and RPO House will hoist and unfurl the green flag on August 14.

Ceremonies will also be held at the Rawalpindi Education Board and all universities. A guard of honour and flag hoisting ceremony will also be held at Adiala Jail. Markets across Rawalpindi and public amusement parks will be decorated with lights and green flags.

On August 14, the day in the federation will begin with 31-gun salute while provinces will carry out a 21-gun salute.