Markets join festive Independence Day rush
On the eve of the Independence Day, cities across Pakistan are buzzing with excitement as markets, streets, and homes transform into vibrant displays of green and white. Young people rush to grab Azadi deals, children eagerly choose flags and festive accessories, and women prepare for the occasion with colourful patriotic outfits.
According to a report aired by the state news channel, the festive atmosphere has triggered a surge in sales of flags, accessories, and the latest patriotic clothing. "This year, we have seen a huge increase in demand compared to previous years," said a shop owner in a city market.
Shoppers share the same enthusiasm. "I love how the whole city comes alive with colours and energy – it makes me proud to celebrate Azadi," said a university student. Citizens from various cities also expressed joy at seeing communities unite to decorate streets and homes, saying the displays "bring the spirit of freedom to life."
Retailers in shopping malls, local markets, and online platforms are offering special discounts and bundles to attract customers. Malls are decked out in patriotic colours, while many people decorate their cars with flags and stickers. Roadside stalls overflow with green-and-white merchandise, adding to the lively atmosphere.
In Lahore, preparations go beyond clothes and décor. Bakeries and sweet shops are creating Independence Day-themed cakes and treats, with orders for flag-shaped cakes and those inscribed with patriotic messages on the rise. "People love to celebrate with something sweet, and our Azadi cakes have become very popular this year," said a local baker.
From Karachi to Quetta, shopkeepers report brisk sales as families prepare for gatherings and parties. "From traditional sweets to custom cakes and festive décor, the excitement is palpable," said a market vendor.
The combined energy of booming sales, colourful decorations, and special treats is making this year's Independence Day celebrations among the most vibrant in recent memory, according to citizens in Islamabad.
Murree unveils I-Day traffic plan
The City Traffic Police (CTP) Murree on Wednesday announced a special traffic plan to facilitate tourists and maintain smooth traffic flow in the hill station during Independence Day celebrations.
According to a CTP Murree spokesperson, the arrangements were made on the directives of the Deputy Inspector General (Traffic) Punjab. Over 200 officers and personnel will be deployed to regulate traffic in Murree. All traffic from Rawalpindi and Islamabad will enter Murree via the Expressway and RMK GT Road, while travellers heading to Azad Kashmir will be restricted to the Expressway route only.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
34 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Economic stability: FPCCI emphasises critical need for renewed focus
LAHORE: President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, emphasized the critical need for renewed focus on economic stability during Pakistan's 78th Independence Day celebrations. Speaking at a ceremony organized by the FPCCI in Lahore on Thursday, Sheikh declared that true freedom is achievable only through national prosperity. 'We pledge today to make sound decisions that will drive Pakistan toward sustainable economic growth,' he stated, underscoring the business community's vital role in shaping the country's future. The event featured a flag-hoisting ceremony and tree planting, symbolizing national pride and commitment to progress. Distinguished attendees included FPCCI Regional Chairman Zain Iftikhar Chaudhry, Patron-in-Chief UBG SM Tanveer, Brigadier Nadir Mir (r), and Vice Presidents Zaki Ijaz and Tariq Mahmood Jadoon. President Sheikh extended congratulations to the nation, highlighting the special significance of this year's celebrations following the historic success of Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos. He paid tribute to Pakistan's armed forces, expressing the business community's profound gratitude for their sacrifices and valour. Sheikh further noted that Pakistan's effective diplomacy under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had successfully countered India's false narratives while enhancing Pakistan's global image internationally. He specifically credited Field Marshal Munir's leadership for the decisive victory against national adversaries. Addressing future development, Sheikh stressed the importance of youth empowerment, pointing out that 65% of Pakistan's population is under 30 years old – a demographic he described as a tremendous opportunity. He called for increased investment in youth and women to harness their potential for building a stronger Pakistan. 'Pakistan is our identity, and our hearts beat with it,' Sheikh affirmed, reinforcing the collective resolve to uphold national sovereignty. The ceremony concluded with participants unanimously reaffirming their commitment to a progressive and resilient Pakistan. In celebration of Pakistan's 78th Independence Day, a flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Head Office of Sui Northern Gas in Lahore. The ceremony was graced by Managing Director Sui Northern Gas, Amer Tufail, as the chief guest. In his address, the Managing Director paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal in securing Pakistan's independence. He also lauded the heroic sacrifices and victories of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Tufail urged employees to work with unity and dedication for the progress of the country and the company. Later, the Managing Director hoisted the national flag and planted a sapling to mark the occasion. Senior management and employees of the company also attended the ceremony in large numbers. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrated Pakistan's Independence Day with a grand ceremony featuring a flag hoisting and cake cutting. The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the national anthem. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman, Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry, former President Muhammad Ali Mian, former Vice President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol and Executive Committee members jointly hoisted the national flag. A large number of members of the business community were also present at the occasion. Special prayers were offered for the security, progress and prosperity of Pakistan, while the atmosphere echoed with chants of 'Pakistan Zindabad' and 'Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad'. In his address, LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad said that Independence Day is not just a celebration, but a reminder of the sacrifices, unity and hard work of our forefathers who struggled for this homeland. He stressed that Pakistan's development requires collective efforts from all segments of society. LCCI Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman said that the true spirit of independence lies in fulfilling national responsibilities and taking concrete measures to strengthen the economy. Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry remarked that the business community is playing a vital role in fortifying Pakistan's industrial and trade structure. Former President Muhammad Ali Mian stressed the need for unity and harmony to send a strong message to the world that Pakistan is a stable and peaceful country. Former Vice President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol underscored the importance of business-friendly policies and industrial growth for economic progress. They said that Independence Day is an opportunity to renew the pledge to put Pakistan on the path of growth and prosperity. The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a special Independence Day cake, where participants exchanged greetings and waved the national flag, expressed love and commitment to the homeland. President Mian Abuzar Shad added that true independence is economic prosperity, which can be achieved through national unity, sound government policies, and the promotion of investment. NESPAK also celebrated the 78th Independence Day by arranging a simple but impressive ceremony at NESPAK House, Lahore here on August 14, 2025. The ceremony was started with recitation from the Holy Quran and prayers were made for the national unity and progress of the country. On this occasion, Zargham Eshaq Khan, Managing Director NESPAK, hoisted the national flag amid Independence Day drill performed by NESPAK security guards and national anthem was played. Speaking on the occasion, MD NESPAK expressed one's love for the country and its importance. In the end, MD NESPAK cut a cake along with senior officials to mark the celebration. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
34 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
IT, pharma lead Indian shares to weekly gains
MUMBAI: Indian shares ended flat on Thursday ahead of US–Russia talks on Ukraine but logged weekly gains as IT and pharma stocks rose after a US–China tariff truce extension and rising hopes of a Fed rate cut. The Nifty 50 rose 0.05% to 24,631.3 points, while the BSE Sensex gained 0.07% to 80,597.66. The benchmarks added about 1% for the week, snapping six straight weeks of losses-their longest since April 2020. Indian markets will be closed on Friday for Independence Day. Fourteen of the 16 major sectors advanced this week. The broader small-caps and mid-caps gained 0.7% and 0.9%, respectively. Pharma and IT companies, which earn a significant share of their revenue from the US, rose 3.5% and 1.3% on optimism from the Extension of the US–China tariff truce and softer US inflation. Investors, however, remained cautious ahead of the high-stakes Russia–US presidential summit on August 15 in Alaska, which could impact India-US trade ties.
Business Recorder
34 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Economic growth: Industrialists pledge long-term partnership with govt
KARACHI: Industrialists vowed to work with the government for uplifting economic development and prosperity of the country on a long-term basis on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day. They noted that the macroeconomic indicators are showing positive trends, the country's diplomatic and trade ties with major countries are also improving, and the global think tanks are also giving encouraging rating for economic outlook of the country. President SITE Superhighway Association of Trade and Industry (SSHAI) Pervaiz Masood said that industrial and business community is optimistic about the economic recovery and growth in the next financial years due to improving trade ties of the US and China with Pakistan. On the occasion of the Independence Day, we expressed our solidarity with the country's leadership and vow to cooperate with the government towards socio economic development of the country. He hoped that the government will also address the concerns of the industrialists and business community to improve the business climate and investment confidence of the country through favourable policies and fearless environment for doing business activities. President Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industries (FBATI) Shaikh Mohammad Tehseen expressed his support with the government and Armed forces on August 14th, saying that the businessmen community is already to uplift the image and economic prosperity of the country. He urged the government to work extensively on reducing cost of production and improving ease of doing business for local and foreign companies to attract foreign investment and enhance exports of the country through different sectors. Higher utility expenses should be curtailed and interest rate should also be slashed to a single digit in the next few months to encourage local and multinational companies for continuity of business and investment, he added. He remarked that that the business-friendly policies for industries and SMEs will help the government towards creation of employment and reducing poverty in the country. Convenor Federal of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCC) on IT Khushnood Aftab said that Pakistani government should promote made-in-Pakistan products and service in domestic and international markets. He further added the policy of localization will not only reduce the imports and import bill of the country but it will help the country to achieve self-sufficiency and acquire technology in different fields. We should vow on the Independence Day that we will prefer Pakistani brands over foreign brands and contribute to our national responsibility in economic sphere, he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
