Insecurity, inflation put a damper on I-Day celebration

[LahoreEstate]

ISLAMABAD: Insecurity and rising inflation has marred Independence Day celebrations, as the city is yet to wear a festive look it usually does in August every year.

In contrast to markets full with stalls of national flags in previous years, this time only a few stalls have been set up selling greeting cards, wallpapers, poem books, flags, buntings, caps, stickers and badges.

Even children show a lack of interest in Independence Day celebrations. In Sectors G-6, G-7, and I-9, which are mostly populated with middle class families, national flags are seen being hoisted on houses. In Sectors F-10, E-7, and I-8, which are considered posh areas, seldom a flag is seen anywhere.

A stallholder in Super Market told Daily Times that he had record business last year but he was upset this year. “A pack of buntings containing 100 pieces was sold for Rs 10 last year but now it is for Rs 20 meaning, registering a 100 percent increase in its price,” he said.

A stallholder in Aabpara Market said children were potential buyers but this year they rarely take interest in cards and flags.

“I think parents are not allowing their kids to go to markets because of fear of terrorism,” he said.

A resident of Sector G-6/ said area people used to collect funds to decorate streets on Independence Day but this year they did not. “It has never happened before. But the city’s situation does not allow us to celebrate Independence Day. Hundreds of people have died in recent blasts,” he said, adding Gojra incidents had also saddened the environment.

A representative of traders said the number of stalls had been reduced this year because demands for celebration items had gone down.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...009_pg11_6