The wait is almost over and we will have a new government in place by the 18th of the month, hopefully. The picture of future political players is getting clearer, especially in Punjab. With the governor and speakers of assembly already in place, the only unknown is the chief minister’s slot. The candidates so far seem pretty capable but from their selection it can be seen that ‘New Pakistan’ will, to a significant extent, remain in the ‘old hands’. While the government coalesces, the opposition seems to be losing steam. On politics one thinks, this is more than sufficient since right now, with all discussions on the subject, we are all pretty much drained.

Talking of opposition a farewell ode to the former chief minister is due. Despite the man’s many failings, his attempts at making Lahore greener, needs to be appreciated.

The pillars supporting the atrocious metro bus track along Fereozpur Road, are layered with small potted plants, with their own watering mechanism, making the monstrosity somewhat bearable. Similarly, on flyovers and underpasses, the vines, mostly bougainvilleas, peeking over the sides and dangling from above, present a pretty picture. Finally, the alternate road leading to Raiwind, appropriately titled ‘Pine Avenue’, with pine trees, alternating with three coloured grafted bougainvilleas in bloom, on many hued ‘portulaca beds’, is a striking sight. While the pines have taken root and are an appealing tree, should we not be looking at planting more indigenous trees? Take the case of a posh locality in Lahore where the preferred option is the ‘date palm.’ While this may appear appropriate in a desert and arid conditions, it seems strangely misplaced in Lahore’s environment, much like its denizens at times.

As each year passes, it seems more people are getting into the spirit of things and the Independence Day is being celebrated with greater gusto. Lahore was inundated with roadside stalls full of flags, t-shirts and all manner of patriotic paraphernalia, the strangest of which are ‘pet collars.’ So it is not only the humans, the animals too are in the act.

Talking of animals, Eid is just around the corner and the markets are full of sacrificial animals. Some of the offerings are bewildering. Animals like the inappropriately named bull, ‘Don’, have become celebrities. With a price tag of around Rs5 million and diet of milk, butter and nuts, people are lining up to snap selfies. While an important religious injunction, if we could but divert a portion of what we spend on sacrifice, there would be no need for the country to seek any handouts.

This time around Independence Day it is a quixotic mix of patriotism, cricket and expectations. The country’s political events are inexorably intertwined with patriotic hopes of change. The appeals for construction of ‘Dams’, innovative ideas for self-reliance, potential individual political participation and realisation for progress all linger in the air.

The overt commercialisation of the event is apparent. Everyone from manufacturers of car batteries to soft drinks, are peddling their wares wrapped in a flag, with patriotic anthems in the background. Interestingly one prominent television channel has a new vision for the country based on: hope, peace and faith. Apparently, they have realised that two tenets out of three of the Quaid’s original version: faith, unity and discipline, no longer holds true. Far be it for us to display any discipline or unity. Despite so much potential, we remain a nation of divisive people mostly working for individual personal gains.

Cynicism too is an integral part of our makeup and perhaps this is what we are indulging in here. Perhaps there is actually an honest underlying desire for change and people are willing to pitch-in and make some sacrifices for the betterment of the nation. On that note, here is wishing all readers a defining Independence. —(AmLahori@gmail.com)

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2018