LAHORE, Aug 13: A strong realisation has emerged among the people who are unanimous that a lot needs to be done to bolster the dwindling tradition of celebrating the national Independence Day.

Though several official and private buildings have been illuminated in the city and flags flutter atop houses, many people Dawn spoke to expressed the view that the room for realisation existed at the government level as well as among the masses.

“I wish I take out more time for my children on this occasion to make them understand the meaning of freedom,” said Khalid Maqbool, a businessman who resides at Gulberg.

For him it is more of an occasion to ponder over the reasons for carving out a separate homeland for Muslims. “We realise the importance of our country when we go abroad,” he said.

Imran Bhatti, a lawyer, wishes that the whole country makes the occasion more meaningful by understanding the importance of freedom. “We must remember the sacrifices our elders made to have a separate homeland for us,” he said.

He said the government should do more to patronise the celebrations on the day so that it could turn into a bigger occasion and create better understanding about the country and its objectives.

Many people have lost interest in celebratory stuff purchase and adorning their houses with flags and buntings.

“The sale of flags has come down in the recent years. This year too it was lesser than the last year’s,” said Syed Tahir Mahmood, who has been setting up stall in Gulberg’s Main Market for the last 15 years.

Tahir’s stall is flanked by four similar stalls on the left side and three more on the other. Several other stalls, with flags jetting out, appear along the road encircling the Main Market roundabout.