AMJAD ALI SHAH

PESHAWAR: Business of national flags, stickers, badges, and other decorative items, is gained much impetus in the provincial capital Peshawar, as shopkeepers are finished all stocks of items relating to Independence Day.

As just few days to go for the 70th Independence Day celebrations and like all other states, preparations are at its peak all over the country. Shopkeepers in Peshawar are seen busy in selling of bindings, flags, banners and badges, as the business of gaining boom with each passing day. The business of these items at all big stores as well as stalls by roadside vendors of the city remains on peak since beginning of month, which shows the zeal of people belonging to all ages.

Great hustle and bustle is being witnessed among the people especially among children as they are busy in buying varieties of things to decorate their houses, buildings and fancy lights to express their love for the homeland. Special stalls in different bazaars have been set-up where customers especially children and students thronged to buy national flags, stickers and badges. Decorative items are in high demand these days, including national flags, multi-colored garlands, badges and portraits of Quaid-e-Azam and other national heroes. The shopkeepers have decorated their shops with fancy lights to attract customers especially during night. Owners of cars, rickshaws and taxi drivers, in large numbers are buying national flags, stickers, badges carrying photos of national heroes, at bookshops, stalls and markets in historic Qissa Khwani and Liaquat bazaars besides Hastnagri of Peshawar.

Zaheer Hussain, a shopkeeper in Qissa Khwani bazaar, said that they have sold out entire stock, since the advent of month of August. He said buyers are taking keen interest to purchase national flags, stickers, badges, and other related stuff. He claimed they have earned millions of rupees in few days, while response of buyers is still at high note. The people from all walks of life are busy in decorating their houses, shopping malls, bazaars and cars with national flags and stickers to celebrate the Independence Day with national zeal and enthusiasm. National Flag is fluttering atop important public and private buildings as well as homes, shops and transport. Several public and private organizations, schools and departments are planning to arrange seminars, conferences, exhibitions, tableaus, rallies, shows, walks and programs to celebrate the day. The national flag will be hoisted at important buildings to celebrate the day in a befitting manner.

Hussain told this scribe, Pakistan has passed through various turbulences and difficulties since its inception but the nation has been content and dealt with every problem with patience and perseverance. The objective of observing Independence Day is to make the young generation aware of sacrifices that the forefathers rendered to win freedom.

According to programme, the day would dawn with special prayers in mosques for the integrity, prosperity, solidarity and development of Pakistan. The day is celebrated all over the country with flag raising ceremonies, tributes to the national heroes and fireworks take place. Television and radio networks are airing special programs to mark the day.

Special programs marking the Independence Day celebrations are being held and broadcast on daily basis by Television and Radio Pakistan. On the day the whole nation would pays homage to leaders and Pakistan movement workers, who rendered sacrifices for the freedom.