Betrayal Of National Flag

Islamabad: As Pakistan prepares to mark its Independence Day, the visibly deteriorating condition of the national flag displayed outside Parliament has drawn criticism, with concerns being raised over the neglect of a symbol meant to represent the country’s pride, unity and sacrifices.

In a commentary, Asem Mustafa Awan highlighted the condition of the flag and questioned how such neglect could persist despite Parliament being the country’s foremost political institution.

The writer recalled the upheaval surrounding the creation of Pakistan in 1947, when millions were displaced and hundreds of thousands of people lost their lives or became separated from their families during migration.

Awan argued that survivors of Partition, whose numbers are declining with time, should be given greater recognition at national events and Independence Day ceremonies rather than being overlooked by political and administrative authorities.

The condition of the Parliament flag, he said, reflects a broader sense of public disillusionment and raises questions about how seriously national symbols are treated by those entrusted with running the country.

The photograph of the damaged flag, captured by Sultan Bashir, has become a visual reminder of what the writer describes as institutional apathy. Despite being visible to parliamentarians and officials every day, the flag’s condition has apparently not received sufficient attention.

The commentary also connects the neglected flag with wider concerns about Pakistan’s economic and social challenges, arguing that the country’s vast natural and human resources have yet to translate into improved living standards for ordinary citizens.

Awan called for greater accountability of officials responsible for maintaining national institutions and symbols, arguing that those in positions of authority should face consequences when negligence damages the country’s image.

He also questioned whether individuals holding dual nationalities should occupy public office, linking the issue to broader concerns about loyalty and accountability.

With August 14 approaching, the writer expressed hope that the damaged flag would be replaced or restored before Independence Day, noting that it had also remained in poor condition around Pakistan Day on March 23.

The controversy ultimately raises a simple but symbolic question: If the country cannot properly care for the national flag displayed at the seat of Parliament, what does that say about the value placed on the ideals and sacrifices the flag represents?

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.