Wagah Border Parade Restricted for Public on Independence Day

LAHORE: The Wagah Border will not be open to the public for this year’s Independence Day parade and flag-lowering ceremony.

This restriction comes as a result of ongoing renovation work at the Bab-e-Azadi (Gate of Freedom), a key part of the border’s infrastructure.

Back In February 2024, Punjab’s caretaker government under the supervision of Mohsin Naqvi initiated an extensive project to renovate and expand the Bab-e-Azadi, which has historically served as a symbolic gateway between Pakistan and India.

This construction project has necessitated limitations on the number of attendees for the Independence Day events, traditionally a public spectacle featuring the Pakistan Rangers Punjab and their Indian counterparts.

To manage public expectations, authorities have placed banners at the site, notifying visitors that access to the ceremony will be limited to a select group of guests.

This move, while disappointing to many who had hoped to witness the patriotic display, is seen as essential to ensure the safety and progress of the renovation efforts.

The Wagah Border has undergone a remarkable transformation since its establishment 77 years ago. What began as a modest checkpoint has now evolved into a grand, symbolic structure known as the Bab-e-Azadi. This gate, which features a prominent portrait of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah facing India, and walls adorned with scenes from the 1947 migration, holds immense historical and cultural significance.

The daily flag-lowering ceremony, a tradition that began in 1959, has been a focal point of the border’s activities. This joint ceremony, conducted by the border forces of Pakistan and India, draws thousands of spectators annually, making it a major attraction for both locals and tourists.

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