Rawalpindi: Preparations for Independence Day have gained momentum in Rawalpindi. with major markets. commercial centres. important roads. public and private buildings and residential areas being decorated with national flags. buntings and green and white lights. while an unusual spirit of enthusiasm is being witnessed among citizens. particularly children. youth and families.
The district administration. public and private institutions. educational centres. business organisations and cultural institutions are finalising arrangements to celebrate August 14 with national spirit.
Flag-hoisting ceremonies. seminars. speech contests. milli naghmas. tableaux. sports and cultural programmes are being planned. while decoration of public and private buildings. important roads and prominent locations is also underway.
Special Independence Day stalls have been set up in different markets of the city. National flags. buntings. badges. stickers. caps. headbands. wristbands. bangles. toys and decorative items for vehicles and motorcycles are being sold at Raja Bazaar. Saddar. Committee Chowk. Murree Road. Tench Bhatta. Pirwadhai. Commercial Market. Banni. Urdu Bazaar and other commercial centres.
As evening falls. markets light up with green and white illumination. attracting large crowds of citizens for Independence Day shopping. Shopkeepers said the number of buyers was increasing steadily as August 14 approaches. with children and youngsters showing particular enthusiasm for purchasing national flags and other decorative items.
Educational institutions are also organising various activities. including speech contests. milli naghmas. national songs. tableaux. essay-writing and painting competitions. The activities aim to familiarise students with the Pakistan Movement. sacrifices made for independence and their national responsibilities.
The Rawalpindi Arts Council and other institutions are also actively participating in the celebrations. Exhibitions of handicrafts. photography and other forms of art. along with folk dances. milli naghmas and cultural programmes. are being organised to highlight the national identity and cultural heritage of the country.
Special security arrangements are also being made by police and other law-enforcement agencies to maintain law and order during the Independence Day celebrations. Additional personnel are being deployed at important public buildings. markets. roads and event venues. while monitoring of suspicious persons and vehicles. snap checking and picketing are also being carried out.
In view of the expected increase in traffic. the traffic police is also preparing a special plan. Additional traffic wardens will be deployed on important roads and around markets to ensure smooth traffic flow. while alternative routes and parking arrangements will be made where required. Special attention is also being given to preventing one-wheeling and dangerous driving.
Relevant civic agencies are making special arrangements for cleanliness to ensure that event venues. markets and major roads remain clean and citizens are provided with a hygienic environment.
A citizen. Muhammad Asad. who was shopping at Raja Bazaar. said Independence Day was a day of joy. gratitude and renewal of commitment. He said he visited the market every year with his children to purchase national flags and Independence Day decorations so that patriotism and national consciousness could be promoted among the younger generation.
A student. Ayesha Fatima. present at Tench Bhatta. said August 14 was an occasion to pay tribute to the great sacrifices made for the country. She urged the youth to celebrate the day positively while demonstrating national unity. discipline and responsibility.
Citizens said Independence Day was not merely a day of celebration but also an opportunity to thank Allah for the blessing of freedom. remember the leaders of the Pakistan Movement and sacrifices of the martyrs. and renew their commitment to the progress. prosperity. stability and national unity of the country.
