The austerity measures adopted by the government during Ramazan may prove to be an exercise in futility if taxpayers' money is spent during the month-long Independence Day celebrations to counter the 'million march' of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on August 14.
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) decided not to give official iftar parties as part of its austerity measures in marked contrast to the PPP-led coalition government which was known for throwing up lavish iftar dinners at the expense of taxpayers' money. Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique who is in-charge of the organising committee for Independence Day celebrations told reporters that the government is looking for private sponsors for its month-long Independence Day celebrations and some businessmen have agreed to bear expenses.
However, sources within the PML-N said that it is unlikely that one month long events will be sponsored entirely by the private sector and the government would be compelled to use taxpayers' money for the purpose. How much it would use would depend on what is envisaged; however, if the objective is to divert public attention away from joining PTI's 'million march' then the government would have to build a momentum with events that are not going to be cheap.
Security for the Independence Day celebrations, in which some 6,000 guests will participate, will be provided by 111 Brigade of the Pakistan Army and ICT police in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Independence Day event celebrations include a parade, Prime Minister's address, hoisting of the national flag, fly-past of F-16s and fireworks in front of Parliament House and the Cabinet Block building during the night between August 13 and August 14.
Imran Khan announced in his Bahawalpur rally that he was going to implement the major decision of his political career - the 'million tsunami march' onto Islamabad on August 14 if his demands were not accepted by the government within one month. The government then declared that it would hold the Independence Day function at D-Chowk on August 14, urging the PTI to cancel its 'long march' on August 14, which the party turned down. D Chowk which is dug up with no access to pedestrians or vehicles due to ongoing Metrobus project.
The sources said that big screens for live coverage of Independence Day celebrations will be placed at various points in federal capital. Invitations and seating arrangements for 6,000 guests will be made in co-ordination with the Cabinet Division and the prime minister's office. Funding for preparation of the event will be arranged by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The National Assembly will be asked to nominate a joint secretary for coordination. In case of bad weather, the venue of the event will be shifted to the Convention Centre.
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