Pakistanis celebrate 69th Independence Day
As Pakistan's 69th Independence Day comes around, Pakistanis across the country flock to stalls and vendors to buy national flags of different shapes and sizes to show their patriotic fervour.
The show of patriotism doesn't end with flags ─ shirts, dresses, balloons and badges, as well as other memorabilia bedecked in the hallmark green and white, emblazoned with the national flag, are a hot commodity as citizens throng the markets, surveying the colourful and quirky offerings.
In Quetta, the streets are full of national fervour as people buy patriotic merchandise from the dozens of vendors that have set up shop. People of all age groups are busy buying flags and clothing apparel that shows off their love for Pakistan. Anticipating high demand, vendors started selling Independence Day products as soon as the month of August began.
"The people over here ─ especially children ─ celebrate Independence Day with a lot of pride," one Quetta vendor told DawnNews. "The products people buy the most in order to celebrate are hats, flags and badges."
Students carry a national flag as they march on a street ahead of the country's forthcoming Independence Day celebrations in Karachi. — AFP
A man with a painted flag in Peshawar. — AP
Labourer working at a printing press busy in printing national flags bunting on arrival of Pakistan Independence Day ahead on August 14, at Pakistan Chowk in Karachi. ─ PPI
A whole sale dealer in Rawalpindi arranging the Independence Day related commodities at Urdu Bazaar as the nation starts preparations to celebrate the Independence Day of Pakistan in befitting manners. ─ INP
A band performs a national song in Lahore. — Reuters
Children hold toy guns and dress as army soldiers to attract customers into their father's stall selling national flags ahead of country's 69th Independence Day in Islamabad. — AP
Youngsters wear masks painted in the design of the national flag.