With the start of August, preparations for Pakistan's 78th Independence Day have kicked off with enthusiasm in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Streets, markets, and commercial centres are buzzing with the sale of green crescent flags, badges, and patriotic merchandise including clothing, hair bands, keychains, and more.
Temporary stalls are set up across neighbourhoods, with the sounds of national songs filling the air.
Government buildings such as the Presidency, Parliament House, Supreme Court, and major markets are being adorned with colourful lights and buntings.
Flag-hoisting ceremonies will be held at the High Court, District Bar, Adiala Jail, universities, and the education board.
The central ceremony in Rawalpindi will take place at Government Waqar-un-Nisa Girls College at 9 am, where federal and provincial ministers will hoist the flag. Cultural programs, rallies, and exhibitions are also scheduled.
Notably, former interior minister Sheikh Rashid's traditional fireworks at Lal Haveli will not take place this year.
