Riaz Naqvi: 24 years old from Karachi
How are you celebrating Independence Day this year?
I will do what my people do best. Spend it in a restaurant.
What is your earliest memory of Independence Day?
My earliest memory of Independence Day is asking my mother to buy me a huge flag from a Karachi street vendor. An entire industry suddenly appears on August 14, with thousands of people in the streets hawking flags of different materials and sizes.
Iqra Ahmed: 21 years old from Lahore
How are you celebrating Independence Day this year?
I am going to buy a huge Pakistani flag and stick it somewhere in my car. I will then celebrate with my friends and family by having dinner at a Pakistani restaurant.
What does Independence Day mean to you?
Since we are away from our country, Independence Day is a little more special; it brings out the patriotism in me. It's not about August 14 or just that one day. We get a chance to show our love towards the country.
Mazamil Abdul Majeed: 23 years old from Karachi
How are you celebrating Independence Day this year?
Haven't thought much about it yet. But, I will probably relax at home and watch some old Pakistani movies and TV shows with my folks.
Would it be different celebrating Independence day here or in Pakistan?
I have never celebrated Independence Day in Pakistan. But from what I hear, it is quite an affair to watch. I will definitely watch the fireworks and the parades on the news.
Tania Shaikh: 24 years old from Punjab
How are you celebrating Independence Day this year?
When we were younger things were different, but now I don't usually celebrate Independence Day.
Does the current state of political unrest in the country affect the spirit of Independence and the pride of being Pakistani?
Pakistani's are very patriotic and proud people. No amount of politics can change that about us. Yes, the country has many issues that need to be addressed, but it is impossible to kill our spirit.
Ammar Mirza: 23 years old from Karachi
What does Independence Day mean to you?
Independence Day does not mean a whole lot to me, however, it is a day where our people should come together and celebrate the creation of our country.
Would it be different celebrating Independence Day here in the UAE or in Pakistan?
Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity of celebrating Independence Day in Pakistan, so I really would not know. I hear the celebrations are pretty intense over there.
Adeel Ahmad: 24 years old from Karachi
How are you celebrating Independence Day this year?
Every Independence day, my family watches the flag hoisting ceremony on TV (live from our capital, Islamabad). I then send out a few congratulatory messages to family and close friends.
What is your earliest memory of Independence Day?
Walking around and shopping for flags, badges and stickers of the flag, while dressing up in every green piece of clothing I own.
Gulraiz Zahid: 20 years old from Karachi
What is your earliest memory of Independence Day?
Having the Pakistani flag painted on my face while I was younger by my older brothers. I had no idea what was going on but I really enjoyed myself.
Does the current state of political unrest in the country affect the spirit of independence and the pride of being Pakistani?
I do not think the politics affect us a lot. Although the unrest and frustration it brings may remain at the back of our minds. I hope this day reminds us all to look ahead and pray for a better tomorrow.
Naeem Sardar Ahmed: 22 years old from Lahore
Would it be different celebrating Independence Day here in the UAE or in Pakistan?Yes, it would be different. Being present there and taking part in the festivities would be emotional and something to remember forever.
What is your earliest memory of Independence Day?
I was barely five years old when I was made to sing our national anthem in front of my entire classroom. Even though I did not manage to sing all the words correctly, I walked away with a gold star.
