KP, Fata people to celebrate Independence Day with more enthusiasm

PESHAWAR: With peace returned to the country to a great extent during the last many months, people all over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata are preparing to celebrate this year’s Independence Day with more enthusiasm.

Thousands of Pakistan flags are hoisted all over Peshawar and rest of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by the people, especially the youth.

Thousands of others can be seen wearing shirts, caps and hats with a Pakistani flag printed on it. Motorbikes, cars, public transport and bicycles also carry Pakistani flags.

Apart from stalls selling flags, badges and shirts set up in every market, there are many shops in Qissa Khwani bazaar who stopped their routine business for a couple of weeks and are selling stuff meant only for the Independence Day.

“We abandoned our routine business since last week of July and stocked flags, shirts, badges and other stuff for the Independence Day. We are receiving thousands of customers daily,” said a shopkeeper at Qissa Khwani.

He added that the sale this year was unprecedented as almost everyone was celebrating Independence Day with more passion.

Most of the people could not celebrate Independence Day with such passion due to poor law and order situation. The situation has gradually improved over the last few years with current year so far proving to be the most peaceful.

According to the KP Police, 90 terrorist incidents are reported during the current year which is 70 per cent less than those in 2009.

The incidents included suicide attacks, blasts, target killings, kidnapping for ransom and extortion. The KP Police claimed the current year was the most peaceful in the last 10 years.

As there are still many threats, security arrangements have already been made at public places, busy trade centres and sensitive installations ahead of the Independence Day.

The police have been alerted to keep a check on any suspicious movement in and around the city.  The city traffic police carried out a rally in connection with the Independence Day from Qissa Khwani to Khyber Bazaar.

The force also distributed Pakistani flags among the motorists at different places.

“I, my brother and sister have bought shirts, flags, badges, watches and much more with Pakistani flags printed on it to celebrate the Independence Day,” Mohammad Saad, a 4th grade student, told The News.

He added that they have hoisted a huge flag on their house for the last couple of weeks. “I gifted shirts, badges and a flag to my friends who have come from the United States along with their parents and they loved the gift,” said Saad.

Apart from Peshawar, celebrations have already begun in other cities of KP and agencies of Fata.

A large number of flags are hoisted at the Khyber Pass, the historic place in Khyber Agency, ahead of 14th August.

Many young men have decorated their cars and motorbikes with the Pakistani flags.

“Everyone of us loves our country but we all need to express it as well so those hatching conspiracies against Pakistan should know how patriotic we are. In fact, we all should celebrate the Independence Day like an Eid,” said Mansoor Khan, who had painted his car with green and white to give a look of Pakistani flag.

Many important government and private buildings in the provincial capital have been illuminated ahead of August 14.

“The historic Balahisar Fort, Ghanta Ghar and many other places give a wonderful look after the illumination. Colourful hoardings and banners displayed at many places with carrying messages of patriotism also give a great feeling,” said a local Mohammad Qasim.