Pakistan Day: For twin cities residents, parade so near, yet so far
Many residents of the capital only saw the aircraft portion of the parade from the comfort of their roofs.
Group photo of students with President, PM and army officers after the Pakistan Day parade. PHOTO INP
ISLAMABAD:
As Pakistan Day was celebrated across the country with zeal, the main event in Islamabad appeared to be a show for only the select few.
Residents of the twin cities felt alienated as they were not allowed to join or even go out to celebrate the occasion, due to the lockdown in some areas.
Many residents of the capital only saw the aircraft portion of the parade from the comfort of their roofs.
“Citizens must be valued by the state and officials through their participation in such events. They are the ones who make the high-ups powerful and respectable,” said Nouman Khan, an accountant a resident of Rawal Town and an accountant by profession.
“Such events make the history of a nation long-lasting and keep their national spirits and aspirations alive,” said a retired professor, adding that participation of the citizen at such events makes them more responsible and ready to sacrifice for their country.
Sana Khan, a medical student said, “I was excited about the parade and planning to go with my family, but it turned out that the event was not for the common people but only for VIPs, which was really disappointing.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2015.
As Pakistan Day was celebrated across the country with zeal, the main event in Islamabad appeared to be a show for only the select few.
Residents of the twin cities felt alienated as they were not allowed to join or even go out to celebrate the occasion, due to the lockdown in some areas.
Many residents of the capital only saw the aircraft portion of the parade from the comfort of their roofs.
“Citizens must be valued by the state and officials through their participation in such events. They are the ones who make the high-ups powerful and respectable,” said Nouman Khan, an accountant a resident of Rawal Town and an accountant by profession.
“Such events make the history of a nation long-lasting and keep their national spirits and aspirations alive,” said a retired professor, adding that participation of the citizen at such events makes them more responsible and ready to sacrifice for their country.
Sana Khan, a medical student said, “I was excited about the parade and planning to go with my family, but it turned out that the event was not for the common people but only for VIPs, which was really disappointing.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2015.