Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: All set in twin cities, Islamabad and Rawalpindi to observe ‘Jashn e Azadi’ with zeal and enthusiasm as political parties, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Pakistan Horticulture Authority (PHA) are organizing several event on ‘Azadi Night’ ahead of Independence Day.

To celebrate the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan, the government and opposition parties are preparing to hold separate events in twin cities, whereas, the main roads are being decorated with national flags containing patriotic slogans with addition of the pictures of national leaders.

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is organizing a public rally on Saturday night at Iqbal Road Rawalpindi to show its political power and to counter the historic gathering organised by President Awami Muslim League Shaikh Rasheed Ahmed in front of Lal Hawali as well. The venues of both public gatherings are quite close to each other even on walking distance.

Although, the administration of Rawalpindi declined to allow the events of both parties, but they are going ahead without approval and trying hard to attract masses by hanging banners, hangers and billboards on main Murree Road.

The PML-N is leading the campaign as its local leadership put huge funds in this regard; whereas, the upcoming elections of Mayor and Deputy Mayor also facilitating the ruling party to effectively organise independence celebrations because all the potential candidates are spending huge money to show their loyalty with their party.

On the other side, the Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is on the way to organise ‘Ehtesab March’ from Rawalpindi to Islamabad on Saturday, which is a continuation of Tahreek-e-Ehtsab launched by its party chief Imran Khan from Peshawar.

A large size hoardings containing the picture of a local MNA Malik Abrar Ahmed of PML-N by the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) is an example of extravagancy from public exchequer for personal promotion as before taking charge of the authority by said parliamentarian, the publicity of such kind never happened on his behalf in the Garrison city, however, besides massive publicity, the PHA is also demonstrating a firework at a public park in Murree on the eve of Independence Day.

The Federal Capital is also decorated with the banners and hangers regarding independence day celebrations from first ever Mayor of Islamabad, Shaikh Ansar Aziz. The MCI is going to organise a ceremony at newly build multi-purpose parade ground in Islamabad on Azadi Night.

While talking to the Daily Times, the Director Municipal Administration (DMA) Capitan Retired Tahir Shahbaz said; “we are going to organise a gathering on the site, where an extensive fire work would be demonstrated on the night of 13th August to celebrate the Independence of our beloved country.”

He informed further; “The Mayor of Islamabad will grace the event as a chief guest; whereas he will also attend a public gathering at Aabpara organised by local chapter of PML-N”.

In connection with Azadi celebrations, the CDA is organising a number of colourful events including Table Tennis Tournament, Young Award Show at Pak China Friendship Centre, three days Azadi Mela at Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9). Furthermore, Azadi Tourist Train from F-9 Park to Lake View Park, Birds Show at Lake View Park, a cultural show at Arts and Craft Village will be organised by the authority.

In addition to aforementioned schedule, the roadside stalls to sell national flags, batches, T-shirts are also an important feature of Independence Day celebrations.