Hyderabad gears up for I-Day celebrations

Hyderabad has burst into the colours of Independence Day, with green-and-white flags adorning streets and buildings, stalls selling national-themed decorations drawing shoppers and illuminated public buildings adding to the festive atmosphere ahead of August 14.

Residents are showing strong enthusiasm for Pakistan's 79th Independence Day, with stalls set up at various locations across the city selling national flags, badges, caps, buntings, masks, bangles, hairbands and patriotic clothing and accessories for children.

The national flag has been hoisted at homes as well as government, semi-government and private buildings. Flags of Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are also being displayed at several locations in connection with the recent defence agreement involving the two countries.

Public buildings, including the Hyderabad Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Old Campus and Sindh Public Service Commission Secretariat, have been illuminated for the celebrations. Similar arrangements are under way at other government and private offices, markets, homes and intersections across the city.

Radio Pakistan Hyderabad is also airing special Independence Day programmes throughout August, featuring documentaries, features, discussions, interviews and special segments for young people, along with messages from personalities from different walks of life.

The programmes highlight the Pakistan Movement, national unity, stability and other issues of national importance. Radio Pakistan Hyderabad has also produced two new patriotic songs for the celebrations: Pakistan saan pyaar asaan jo, sung by Reshma Parveen, and Jashn-e-Azadi manayen, sung by Yasir Ali Latifi.

Special shows and podcast interviews are also being broadcast for youth, students, women and children as part of the month-long programming.

Meanwhile, the Hyderabad SITE Association of Trade and Industry organised an Independence Day ceremony. Chairman Abdul Rahman Rajput said Pakistan was the nation's identity, hope and future, urging citizens to play their role in the country's development, stability and prosperity.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for Pakistan's security, stability, progress and prosperity.