- Volunteers to focus on tree plantation on August 14 to overcome threat of environmental hazards
ISLAMABAD: The preparations for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations are picking up pace in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad like across the country with each passing day.
Citizens especially youth and children are showing more zeal and enthusiasm towards preparations of the Independence Day after the general elections which have rekindled a new hope in them that their lives will be transformed into better ones.
The twin cities have wore a flag-coloured look with an increased number of stalls as compared to the last years offering accessories like flags, bands, buntings, jewelry, badges, toys, dresses and many other items. Prof Tahira Ameen said that the Independence Day would be celebrated with the same enthusiasm and patriotic spirit, the citizens shown during the recent elections.
“The whole nation is keeping eye on the historical political paradigm after the election and expecting realisation of their long-awaited dream of achieving economic stability, improved law and order situation and social reformation,” she observed. Many of the departments and volunteers have decided to focus on tree plantation on August 14 to overcome threat of increased environmental hazards causing reduced rains, water scarcity and pollution.
Asad Malik, a student of environmental sciences in a local university, said that the green was the colour of the national flag and instead of making Pakistan green with paper-based colours and lightings the people must make it green in true sense by planting more and more trees. “Youth must come forward and utilise its energies in true dimension and of course for constructive purposes as if we really want change we need to take first step from now,” he said.
“I have planned to celebrate this day with my friends and cousins and we all demanded from our parents to buy us flag based dresses as well as saplings which we will plant on the August 14,” said Wajeeha Ali, a Grade IX student who is anxiously waiting for the Independence Day celebrations to come. “We must pledge on this important occasion that we will not only play our role to make Pakistan green but also take care of these saplings throughout the year,” she said.
IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA: Like other parts of the country, the preparations for the Independence Day celebrations gained momentum in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where the people started decorations of their houses, vehicles and markets to express their love with the motherland came into being on August 14, 1947.
With the start of the month of August, the people started decorating their houses, buildings, markets, shops and vehicles with the national flags, stickers and fancy lights to express their love with the motherland. In the provincial capital, the people from all walks of life including students were seen buying national flags, stickers, badges carrying photos of the national heroes, at bookshops, stalls and markets in historic Qissa Khwani and other areas.
The shopkeepers, traders and businessmen have set up special colourful stalls with a variety of goods, including stickers, badges, buntings, national flags, banners and pictures of the national heroes of the Independence Movement including Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and legendary poet and philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
The political parties, public and private organisations have planned scores of events to celebrate the Independence Day in a befitting manner. Rallies, processions, exhibitions and colourful functions in all small and major towns and cities of the province were also planned. The celebrations would be held at provincial, district and tehsil levels including in the recently-merged seven tribal districts.
Flags hoisting ceremonies would be held at headquarters of tribal districts with national anthem and songs by schools children. Meetings, rallies, seminars, talk shows and cake cutting functions will be held at districts and tehsil levels, in which general public and young generation will also be invited in large number to express their love for Pakistan.