India Conflict Fuels Independence Day Passion in Pakistan

A surge of patriotic energy is sweeping across Pakistan ahead of its 78th Independence Day. The India conflict has sparked a nationwide wave of enthusiasm, with citizens buying flags and decorations in record numbers. Markets are buzzing, and traders report a dramatic rise in sales despite high inflation.

Victory Spirit Drives Sales

The fighting between Pakistan and India in May 2025 has become a defining factor in this year’s celebrations. The short but intense conflict ended on May 10 after US mediation. The government declared victory, claiming the downing of at least six Indian fighter jets. This military success has ignited national pride and inspired people to celebrate August 14 with unprecedented vigor.

VIP Flags, the country’s largest flag producer, projects a 50 percent increase in sales this year. CEO Nisar Ahmed Sheikh said much of the demand began during rallies supporting Pakistan’s armed forces at the height of the conflict. The company, known for producing Guinness World Record–winning flags in 2004 and 2008, supplies not only domestic markets but also the armed forces and overseas buyers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Markets Overflow with Green and White

From Karachi’s bustling markets to small towns across the country, green and white flags line every street. People are decorating houses, vehicles, and workplaces with flags, buntings, and lights. The enthusiasm stretches beyond traditional flags. Vendors now offer shirts, headbands, mufflers, shawls, dresses, and children’s outfits in Independence Day designs.

Sheikh explained that the war’s outcome fueled consumer excitement: “When people felt pride after the war with India, they began hoisting flags everywhere. The demand hasn’t stopped. People are still putting them on cars, bicycles, and motorcycles.”

This patriotic shopping spree, he added, is injecting billions of rupees into the economy. “People must be spending heavily on celebrations, and that spending boosts markets nationwide,” Sheikh said.

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Government and Public Events

Federal and provincial authorities are also contributing to the festive atmosphere. Daily ceremonies are taking place in the days leading up to August 14. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the army chief are scheduled to attend major events in Islamabad on August 13 and 14.

In Karachi, the country’s commercial hub, entire neighborhoods are illuminated at night. Large flags hang from buildings, and main roads are lined with decorative buntings. The visual display recalls earlier times of intense national pride. “The last time we saw this level of enthusiasm on Independence Day was during Zia-ul-Haq’s era,” Sheikh noted.

Workers and Vendors Benefit

The sales boom is not only symbolic — it’s improving livelihoods. Abdul Wahab, a finisher at one of VIP Flags’ factories, expects his income to rise by at least 25 percent this season. The 26-year-old plans to work overtime to keep up with demand. “There’s a rush in the market because of the war we fought with India,” he said.

For many in the manufacturing and retail sectors, this Independence Day season offers rare economic relief in a year marked by rising prices and slow growth. Increased consumer spending on patriotic goods is helping offset the pressure of inflation.

Pride Passed to the Next Generation

Beyond economic gains, the celebrations carry a strong message for future generations. Lawyer Bad-e-Saba sees this year’s Independence Day as an opportunity to instill national pride in children. “The war we recently won against Hindustan is a matter of great pride for us. We want our children to know where we stand against our enemy,” she said.

She emphasized that passing this spirit forward is essential: “We want to tell our enemies that we can protect our country, and our next generation will do it even better.”

National Unity in Focus

Across Pakistan, the combination of military victory, patriotic fervor, and vibrant markets has created a rare moment of unity. As flags wave from rooftops and music blares from streets, citizens are marking August 14 not just as a commemoration of independence, but as a statement of resilience and strength.

For businesses, workers, and ordinary families, this year’s celebrations are more than tradition — they are a declaration of pride in Pakistan’s identity and determination in the face of challenges. The India conflict may have ended months ago, but its echoes are being carried proudly on every fluttering flag this Independence Day.