The national flag is the identification of a country. Pakistanis celebrating their independence day on 14th August with mania shows that the Pakistani flag is integral to these celebrations and that displays of nationalism would be incomplete without it. On that day, flags are fluttering in the breeze and people celebrating independence are filled with pride looking at those.
But after the celebrations, that supreme green and white flag that is a sign of peace and freedom is found on roads and it is in an insult that it is fallen here and there. Nations that do not value their national symbols like flag ultimately do not value their country. We should try to give much care and importance to our flag and also alter this bad attitude as soon as possible.
FATIMA GULL
Lahore
(II)
As 14th of August is drawing nearer, we see lots of stalls arranged at the roadsides and vendors selling Pakistani flags, small paper flags, badges, stickers, etc. at the shops. It really feels good to see kids buying flags with a great smile on their face and even more great love for the country in their heart. It is no doubt a beautiful sight for every patriotic Pakistani.
But the thing that I have noticed quite often and perturbs me is the ignorance and illiteracy of the people regarding the flag and etiquettes pertaining to it. The color of our green and white flag is altered and is available in blue, pink, yellow, etc. White and green is our identity, the symbol of peace and freedom, representing green majority and white minority and changing its color is akin to changing our identity. The Pakistani flag with crescent and star is sometimes made with unwanted additions in it e.g. Quaid’s portrait, face of political leaders, etc. Worst is adding up of pictures of cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse, which is disrespectful. Slogans are written on it along with greetings or other words or phrases.
This distortion of our graceful flag is an irresponsible attitude and affects the dignity of our beloved flag. I hope people will play their part by buying the real flag of Pakistan, and the authorities will soon take notice of this issue and will ban such flags.
NADIA EHSAN
Lahore