ISLAMABAD: People throughout the country have started preparation to celebrate the 60th Independence Day of Pakistan in a befitting manner.In this connection, preparations are in full swing across the country and as the auspicious day approaches nearer, the enthusiasm among all men and women, young and old, grows alike in urban and rural areas.

National flags can be seen everywhere – fluttering atop the official and private buildings, houses, markets and shops while streets, lanes, and neighborhoods are being decorated with bunting. Large size national flags can also be seen on cars, trucks and motorcycles. Public and private buildings besides commercial centers have also been decorated with lights and buntings. Stalls in markets and even small shops in localities are busy selling national flags, buntings, badges carrying the photos of national heroes and banners.

People especially children throng these stalls and shops to buy their items of choice. As the day draws nearer, one can observe a mood of festivity at schools, colleges and universities where colourful functions are arranged to highlight the diverse colours of Pakistani culture. Speech competitions are arranged to highlight the grand sacrifices rendered by the Indian Muslims to achieve a separate homeland for themselves and contributions of national heroes in winning freedom.

Similarly ladies and young girls are seen buying green dresses to mark the day. The elders narrate the stories of national heroes to the young ones exhorting them to emulate their hard work and struggle to make the country strong and prosperous. Various programmes, stage shows and drams are being prepared to be on aired on this day to recall the sacrifices of various personalities who bore a lot of hardship for the achievement of Pakistan.