Islamabad: As August 14 draws closer, the federal capital is taking on shades of green and white, with the spirit of Independence Day becoming increasingly visible in markets, streets, homes, educational institutions and workplaces.
With only few days left in the occasion, Jashan-e-Azadi stalls have added a festive touch to the city’s main commercial centres of F-6, F-7, F-10, G-9, I-8, Aabpara Market and others.
The stalls offer a wide range of national-themed items, including green-and-white dresses, national flags, buntings, caps, badges, wristbands, toys and other accessories.
Accompanied by their parents, children remain the most enthusiastic among all as they eagerly choose green-and-white dresses, small flags and toys, turning a routine shopping trip into an occasion of excitement.
For many children, the colours, symbols and activities associated with August 14 form their earliest connection with the national celebration.
The spirit of Independence Day is also making its way onto the roads. Cars, motorcycles, bicycles and scooters can increasingly be seen carrying small national flags and green-and-white decorations, giving ordinary daily commutes a festive character.
Many families are also decorating their homes with national flags, buntings, lights and other Independence Day accessories.
From balconies and gates to rooftops and entrances, green-and-white decorations are adding colour to residential neighbourhoods. The practice reflects how a national occasion gradually becomes part of everyday life, with citizens expressing their sense of belonging through simple and visible gestures.
The festive atmosphere becomes more prominent in the evening, when buildings and roadsides receive decorative illumination. Green-and-white lights, flags and buntings are giving important roads and public spaces a celebratory appearance, offering a glimpse of the festivities of August 14.
Educational institutions are also preparing for the occasion after reopening following the summer vacations. Schools are planning a variety of activities, including debates, patriotic song competitions, quizzes, speeches, tableau presentations and other programmes to mark Independence Day in a befitting manner.
For Professor Kamran Khan, educational institutions have an important role in ensuring that Independence Day celebrations help young people understand the broader meaning of freedom and citizenship.
He said such activities should provide students with an opportunity to learn about the historical struggle behind the creation of Pakistan while also encouraging them to think about their responsibilities towards society and the country.
According to him, patriotic celebrations become more meaningful when they combine emotion with knowledge and encourage students to translate their attachment to Pakistan into positive action, responsible citizenship and a commitment to the country’s development.
According to a mother of three, Amina Usman, said Independence Day offered parents an important opportunity to help children understand the value of freedom and their responsibilities towards the country.
‘This is the high time that we educate our children about the importance of azaadi and motivate them to contribute to the development of this country, ‘ she said.
She added that children should understand that independence carries responsibilities alongside rights.
‘Celebrating Independence Day should not remain limited to wearing green and white, carrying flags or participating in ceremonies. Our children should also learn about the sacrifices behind the creation of Pakistan and understand that education, good character, hard work and responsible citizenship are meaningful ways of serving the country, ‘ she said.
The national spirit is equally visible in workplaces, where employees are preparing to mark the occasion through informal gatherings and decorations.
Muhammad Yar, a government employee said his office traditionally holds a cake-cutting ceremony around Independence Day, with employees decorating their workplace and wearing green and white.
‘Every year, our office takes on a festive look. We decorate the workplace, wear green and white and arrange a cake-cutting ceremony. It gives everyone a chance to celebrate together and creates a pleasant atmosphere, ‘ he said.
He added that such activities provide colleagues an opportunity to come together beyond their routine professional responsibilities.
‘We spend a large part of our day at work. Celebrating Independence Day together creates a sense of belonging and reminds us that despite our different professions and responsibilities, we share a common identity and a common future, ‘ he said.
Across Islamabad, the preparations therefore reflect more than the excitement of an approaching national day.
For children, Independence Day may begin with choosing a favourite dress or flag while for families, it may mean decorating a home or placing a small flag on a car or bicycle. For students, it may take the form of a debate, quiz, patriotic song or tableau. For working people, it may mean decorating an office and sharing a cake with colleagues.
For parents, educators and academics, however, the occasion offers a larger opportunity to connect celebration with an understanding of history, citizenship and responsibility.
As Islamabad prepares for August 14, its green-and-white transformation carries a message that extends beyond decoration and festivities.
Independence remains a historic achievement to celebrate, but its lasting significance lies in how each generation uses that freedom to promote education, tolerance, hard work, civic responsibility and the progress of Pakistan.
