Pakistanis celebrate 70th Independence Day with patriotic zeal and fervour
![Supporters of civil rights group for transgender people, the Gender Interactive Alliance (GIA), dance and chant slogans as they pose with a national flag ahead of the Independence Day. — Reuters Supporters of civil rights group for transgender people, the Gender Interactive Alliance (GIA), dance and chant slogans as they pose with a national flag ahead of the Independence Day. — Reuters](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2016/08/57af50fc34d33.jpg)
![People are seen buying national flags from stalls where vendors also displayed flags of a political party ruling in the province, at Qissa Khawani Bazaar in Peshawar. — Online People are seen buying national flags from stalls where vendors also displayed flags of a political party ruling in the province, at Qissa Khawani Bazaar in Peshawar. — Online](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2016/08/57af50b74ab8b.jpg)
![The Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology is illuminated as a part of Independence Day celebrations. — Online The Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology is illuminated as a part of Independence Day celebrations. — Online](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2016/08/57af50b78b25e.jpg)
![Demonstrators from the Gender Interactive Alliance (GIA) carry a large Pakistan flag outside the Karachi Press Club. — Online Demonstrators from the Gender Interactive Alliance (GIA) carry a large Pakistan flag outside the Karachi Press Club. — Online](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2016/08/57af50b8b4365.jpg)
![A vendor sells national flags of all shapes and sizes in Islamabad. — APP A vendor sells national flags of all shapes and sizes in Islamabad. — APP](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2016/08/57af50ba469dd.jpg)
![The Pak Sarzameen Party holds a rally in Sukkur ahead of Pakistan's Independence Day. — Online The Pak Sarzameen Party holds a rally in Sukkur ahead of Pakistan's Independence Day. — Online](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2016/08/57af50ba610c7.jpg)
![Students of Saint Marry school in Hyderabad carry out pre- Independence Day celebrations. — APP Students of Saint Marry school in Hyderabad carry out pre- Independence Day celebrations. — APP](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2016/08/57af50bad0698.jpg)
![A vendor sells national flags and other Independence Day special accessories in Islamabad. — APP A vendor sells national flags and other Independence Day special accessories in Islamabad. — APP](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2016/08/57af50bb3ce08.jpg)
![APP headquarters in Islamabad decorated ahead of Pakistan's Independance Day. — APP APP headquarters in Islamabad decorated ahead of Pakistan's Independance Day. — APP](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2016/08/57af50bc47976.jpg)
![Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly illuminated as a part of Pakistan's Independence Day celebrations. — PPI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly illuminated as a part of Pakistan's Independence Day celebrations. — PPI](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2016/08/57af50ba0a9d6.jpg)
![View of a Lahore road ahead of Pakistan's Independance Day. — PPI View of a Lahore road ahead of Pakistan's Independance Day. — PPI](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2016/08/57af50bbbd556.jpg)
![Independence Day celebrations in Quetta. — PPI Independence Day celebrations in Quetta. — PPI](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2016/08/57af50be081d5.jpg)
![Pakistani artists give final touches to a painting with the image of Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah ahead of Independence Day celebrations. — AFP Pakistani artists give final touches to a painting with the image of Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah ahead of Independence Day celebrations. — AFP](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2016/08/57af50c562050.jpg)
As Pakistan's 70th 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 big and small cities throughout the country, 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.