Independence Day preparations in full swing ahead of August 14

Cities are seen dotted with footpath vendors where people rush to buy flags, badges and other decoration items

By
APP

Updated Sunday Aug 09 2020

As Azadi festivities are gaining momentum, the sale of Independence Day-related items including national flags, buntings, badges, dresses, and other decorations at makeshift stalls has reached its peak across the country to attract patriotic customers, especially kids.

People walk along a street with stalls displaying Pakistan´s national flags in Karachi on August 9, 2020, ahead of Pakistan´s 74th anniversary of independence from British rule on August 14 — Photo: AFP/ Rizwan TABASSUM

Shopkeepers and footpath vendors have set up their temporary stalls where people are seen in crowds busy in buying things at cheaper rates.

A vendor wearing a mask of Pakistan´s national flag waits for customers at a stall selling merchandise with Pakistan´s national flag in Quetta on August 9, 2020, ahead of Pakistan´s 74th anniversary of independence from British rule on August 14. —  Photo: AFP/Banaras KHAN

According to roadside vendors, the most enthusiastic are the children who are busy in collecting badges and also beautifying their bicycles with special stickers inscribed with messages of Independence Day.

A woman sells bangles with the colours of Pakistan´s national flag at her stall in Karachi. — Photo: AFP/Rizwan Tabassum

A vendor at Islamabad's G-7 road while talking to APP said the demand for the national flag and badges was on the rise as August 14 is getting nearer, adding that most of the motorists were buying flags to hoist on their cars.

Children gather around a stall selling merchandise with Pakistan´s national flag in Quetta on August 9, 2020. — Photo: AFP/Banaras Khan

Another seller in G-10 Markaz commented that like every year, this year too vendors at their stalls on footpaths were doing a roaring business, trying to sell whatever they had as the entire inventory would go waste on August 15.

Men display a large flag of Pakistan next to a stall along a street in Karachi. — Photo: AFP/Rizwan Tabassum

A motorist, Arslan Ali, said along with the sale of the national flag, the sale of green and white dresses was also popular among the citizens.

A buyer said, “We are coming to footpath stalls for Independence Day shopping as the prices of items are cheap here compared to shops and malls.”

Children busy purchasing Pakistan´s national flags in Quetta on August 9 — Photo: AFP/ Banaras Khan

On the other hand, booksellers and shopkeepers say stickers and hand-held stickers are also in high demand this year.