Pakistan will celebrate its 66th Independence Day marking freedom from British rule and the creation of an independent Muslim state. Preparations for the occasion are in full swing across the federal capital.
The city markets wear a festive look as business activities have picked up pace in major markets and other shopping plazas. Special stalls and kiosks have been set up across the city for the sale of national flags, badges, buntings, banners and posters of national heroes including many other items. Printing houses were seen busy day in night out printing banners and flags due to popular demand and remained open on Sundays as well.
Different national programmes have been planned for the viewers along with a display of fireworks in the capital. With the occasion arriving right after Eid holidays, scores of people thronged markets to buy celebratory items.
Ahmed, while shopping at a stall said, “Independence day is deeply linked to the great sacrifices rendered by our forefathers to create a Muslim homeland.” We all must renew our pledge and help in making the country prosper,” he added.
Another resident Ayesha at Jinnah Super said that this year the celebrations have doubled with the Independence Day falling just after Eid.
Ali, a visitor at Rawal Lake observed that special homage is paid to the people who lost their lives in migration and riots during the partition, martyrs of Pakistan Army and recipients of Nishan-e-Haider and political figures including famous literary writers.
Overseas Pakistanis far away from their homeland said that they miss being a part of the celebrations at home. “The traditional zeal and fervour, with illuminated buildings and decorating the houses with buntings and banners and the enthusiasm of the youngsters is what I really miss over here,” said Anwar, resident of Saudi Arabia.
However, people from all walks of life are all geared for celebrations and were seen hoisting national flags on their rooftops and illuminating their homes. Excited youth were seen buying clothes in green to mark the day.
INDEPENDENCE DAY LIKELY TO BE CELEBRATED IN HEAVY RAINS: The Met Department on Monday forecasted heavy rainfall on August 14 with intense monsoon cycle across the country in the next 72 hours.
According to the Met Department, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan. Hazara, Peshawar, Kohat, Mardan, Dera Ismail Khan, Sibi and Naseerabad will experience heavy rainfall. Rain is also expected in Sindh, Southern Punjab and Balochistan in the next 24 hours.
POLICE OPERATION AGAINST ONE-WHEELERS: City Traffic Police (CTP) has formed special teams to launch operations against one-wheelers on this day.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Superintendent Police (SP) Ishtiaq Shah said that strict orders have been issued to all Deputy Superintendent of Police, inspectors and traffic wardens of all sectors to impound altered motorcycles prepared for wheelies from youngsters moving around the city roads.
He said that many youngsters had lost their lives in the process or sustained critical injuries while performing the stunts.”Those found involved in the activity would be sent arrested under Section 99/A,” he added.
He urged the parents to discourage their children from this life threatening sport including rash driving as these are major causes of fatal accidents.
STUDENTS TO PERFORM IN FUNCTIONS: Students of different educational institutions working under Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) would participate in the Independence Day event to be held at Convention Centre on August 14.
Director Model Colleges, FDE Tariq Masood said that around 1,500 students and teachers of educational institutes will participate in the event and will be arranged by Cabinet Division.
As many as 35 students have been selected to perform in the programme. “They will sing national and regional songs to mark the occasion. The students of model and federal government institutes perform every year in Independence Day programmes,” he opined.
