Every year, the paraphernalia used to celebrate the independence day witnesses two sides of Pakistanis which are observed in the verdict of Lahore High Court (LHC) which says that undermining the national flag will be considered for defilement.
Pakistan is celebrating its 74th birthday on August 14 and the streets and markets have been traditionally decorated.
Customized printed shirts, badges, national flags and buntings for decorating homes and streets are part of the occasion.
The other side of the occasion is when the day ends, the decorative paraphernalia that once beautified the streets are scattered on the ground.
Observing the careless demeanor, LHC observed that the flag, as per the National Flag Protocols, must not touch the ground, shoes or feet, or anything unclean.
It also ruled that the printing of the national flag in different shades, other than the original scheme, on distorted portraits will not be tolerated this year.
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In a remark, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi said, “Our parcham (flag) is not merely a piece of cloth. The white and dark green field represents peace and prosperity, the crescent on the flag [symbolizes] progress and the five-ray star signifies light and knowledge, which symbolizes the five most holy personalities (Panjtan-e-Pak A.S)”.
He added that the white portion in the flag duly acknowledges the religious minorities residing in the country.
“Neither, the flag is to be flown or displayed upside down or with a crescent and star facing left nor it should be set on fire or trampled upon or lowered into a grave”.
In section 123-B of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) 1860, defilement of the national flag is defined as an offense punishable with three-year imprisonment.
The court also ordered the government authorities to only print the national flag in its original green shade.