ISLAMABAD: You know a big celebration is looming when Pakistan’s cities light up days before a national holiday — and the build-up to August 14th, 2018 has been no exception. In fact, the most anticipated holiday of this year has been met with fervor rarely seen before.
Buildings overlooking the motorway leading into Islamabad have been decked out in green, white and gold lights and the capital is also glittering. Alongside the decorated government and private buildings comes an unprecedented wave of patriotism that has swept the country since the elections a few weeks ago.
There has been a boom in vendors setting up pop-up stalls in Islamabad during the past few weeks selling merchandise to mark the 71st birthday of Pakistan.
T-shirts, mugs, horns, flags, kameezes, hats and even shoes are sold alongside the roads leading into residential areas, markaz, and even the M2 motorway.
It also has become quite common to see large flags being waved on the back of motorbikes, cars — at times with people hanging out of windows or through sunroofs — cars covered in flags on each side, as well as profusions of green, white and gold tinsel.
The patriotic fervor seems to have been triggered by the change in the country’s leadership and anticipation of what is to come when the upcoming prime minister, Imran Khan of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is sworn in and begins his laying his “Naya Pakistan,” the New Pakistan he promised during the election campaign.
Firework shows went off at midnight in major cities including Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore, and a number of small and large celebrations have been planned throughout the country to mark the day.
Social media was buzzing with Independence Day-related posts. Imran Khan, @ImranKhanPTI, posted:
14 Aug 2018: On this Independence Day I am filled with the greatest optimism. Despite our grave economic crises, due to corruption & cronyism, I know if we are united in our resolve, we will rise to the challenge & Pak will become the great nation envisaged by our Quaid and Iqbal.
14 Aug 2018: On this Independence Day I am filled with the greatest optimism. Despite our grave economic crises, due to corruption & cronyism, I know if we are united in our resolve, we will rise to the challenge & Pak will become the great nation envisaged by our Quaid & Iqbal pic.twitter.com/T4EM7kToDE
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 13, 2018
