by Raheela Nazir
ISLAMABAD, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- As Independence Day draws near, the hot and humid weather of Pakistan has not deterred the nation's patriotic zest as markets are flooded with children, elders and youngsters busy finalizing their preparations to celebrate the day on Aug. 14.
A number of stalls with buntings, flags, badges, banners, balloons, Independence Day dresses and other decorations have been set-up at various places in cities across the country. All major public and private buildings, roads and avenues are being colorfully lit and decorated with national flags.
People are also decorating their vehicles with green flags to express their love for their motherland.
The most enthusiastic are the children who have been busy choosing different sized flags, stickers, badges and buntings with so many designs to mark this biggest festival. National flag colored bangles are also immensely popular among the young patriotic girls.
Zahra Perveen, who was shopping for Independence Day celebration with his four children at a stall carrying Independence Day-themed products in the federal capital city of Islamabad, told Xinhua that for her family Independence Day is no less than an Eid festival and that they celebrate the day with national zeal and fervor.
"My children are so happy and excited for the day. They have bought buntings, small flags and dresses in green and white, which are the Pakistani flag's colors. They have also purchased special Independence Day colors to paint the national flags on their faces," Parveen said.
To celebrate the special day, numerous food outlets are offering Independence Day deals and discounted rates to attract foodies. Families are planning to visit the restaurants of their choice to enjoy special discounted food deals rather than cooking at home.
Other than that, various brands and shops are offering discounts on a wide range of men's and women's clothing and other accessories to attract the customers, especially women. Flag colored garments, handbags and other products are being sold by various local and foreign brands at attractive rates with up to 50 percent discount.
Allezy Khan, while shopping at a famous Pakistani clothing and accessories outlet which was offering up to 40 percent discount on the 71st Independence Day, told Xinhua that "women in Pakistan celebrate every event with style and the latest fashion. They spend more money than men in buying clothes, shoes and other things on special occasions."
Educational, political, social and literary institutions will also organize special programs to mark Independence Day.
Commemorative programs will also be aired on TV channels to highlight the importance of the day and to pay homage to the national heroes who devoted their lives to the freedom movement and made sacrifices to attain Pakistan's independence.
A changing of the guard ceremony will be held at the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
All government, non-government organizations, educational institutions and markets will be closed on Aug. 14 to mark Independence Day.
A comprehensive strategy has been devised by law enforcement agencies to provide fool-proof security to the citizens and traffic management on Independence Day, said local reports.
Shakeela Aftab, an educationist based in the country's eastern Gujranwala city, said "we should celebrate the day with great spirit. On this day, on Aug. 14, 1947, we achieved independence from British rule. For this, many people sacrificed their lives to see us breathe the free air. We should not let their blood go wasted and should work hard to build this country."
"Pakistan has given us identity and enormous respect and now it is time to give it back by making every possible effort to make Pakistan a peaceful and prosperous welfare state as envisioned by founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah," she said.
