ISLAMABAD: Public participation increased in the Independence Day (August 14) ceremonies over the past 15 years (2001-2016).
According to a Gallup Pakistan National Survey conducted in the year 2001 (15 years ago) respondents were asked, “If you had the opportunity to participate in the August 14 ceremonies this year, which of these ceremonies did you participate in?” To this, 59pc said they participated in hoisting flag at home, 26pc said they hoisted flag on cycle, motor cycle/car, 16pc said they participated in a rally, while 59pc said they watched special programs on television.
The same question was asked again in 2016 to enable a concrete comparison. In 2016, 74pc said they participated in hoisting flag at home, 44pc said they hoisted flag on cycle, motor cycle/car, 25pc said they participated in a rally, while 73pc said they watched special programs on television.
According to public opinion, there has been a 15pc increase in the proportion of people who participated in hoisting flag at home, a 18pc increase in the proportion who hoisted flag on cycle, motorcycle/car, a 9pc increase in the proportion of people who participated in a rally and a 14pc increase in the proportion of people who watched special programs on the television.
These trends indicate an increased public participation in August 14 ceremonies over the past 15 years.
