CELEBRATING the independence day is not complete unless the national flag is hoisted on private buildings, especially at the residential apartments and houses. After hoisting the flags, people forget to remove them. Consequently, after some time they are completely torn out or slipped down to the half-mast.

In the former situation it is an act of disrespect to the national flag. In the latter situation it is a bad omen. It is, therefore, suggested that the national flags must be removed from the buildings before any of the above mentioned situations arises, say after 10 to 15 days.

It will not be out of place to mention an observation that, when the national anthem is played, the listeners do not give due respect which it demands. People have a casual attitude while listening to it. In any gathering, people should stand up, put their right hand on the chest and sing the national anthem, while people in uniform should salute the national flag.

Lack of discipline is also observed among Pakistani players when the national anthem is played before the start of any game at the international events.

These practices should be adopted to give respect to the national flag and the national anthem which they deserve and demand from every patriotic Pakistani.

Sakina ZH
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2020