By Sumayya
SWAT: With butterflies drifting above blooming red roses in the rainy season, and sunlight mixing with drifting clouds, thousands of tourists assembled in Swat’s valleys to mark Independence Day with huge national spirit on Friday.
As dawn’s first light broke through dark clouds above Swat’s verdant mountains, the valleys of Kalam and Malam Jabba lit up in Pakistan’s green and white flag colours, drawing crowds of visitors.
From Kalam and Mahodand Lake to Malam Jabba, Bahrain, Madyan, Mingora, Saidu Sharif, Marghazar and Fizagat, the 14th August festivities turned the scenic valley into a huge display of patriotism, where waving flags, decorated cars, national anthems and tourists’ laughter merged with the noise of streams and the chill monsoon breeze.
For many guests, the 14th of August was not just a public holiday but a chance to honor Pakistan’s freedom in the midst of one of the nation’s most breathtaking regions.
One of them was Omar Ali, 33, a staff member of the KP Education Department from Nowshera, who came to Kalam with friends after visiting several of the province’s top tourist spots.
His vehicle, painted in Pakistan’s green and white, stood out sharply against the surrounding greenery.
Dressed in a green shirt and traditional Peshawari sandals, Omar sat with his companions near Mahodand Lake, playing patriotic tunes like “Aye Jawan Manzil Hai Asman” on a speaker while riding colorful boats.
A fresh wind blew from the hills as clouds kept covering the mountain tops, followed by light showers that made the trip even more unforgettable.
Instead of ruining their mood, the shifting weather added a new charm to their celebrations.
“We began our trip last Sunday. First we went to Kumrat in Upper Dir, then Malam Jabba, and reached Kalam last night. The weather kept changing — sun and dark clouds taking turns, with some rain too. It made celebrating Pakistan’s birthday even more joyful,” Omar told this reporter.
Seated by the lake, with tall mountains and dense forests around, he said Swat’s natural beauty made the celebrations even more meaningful.
“The lush valleys of this place bring visitors into a peaceful embrace during the monsoon magic,” he said.
To Omar, the green and white around him meant more than décor — it was a symbol of his deep devotion to the country.
“Pakistan is the most beautiful country. It has given us identity, pride and honor. Being Pakistani is something we must value and defend, just like our family name and heritage,” he said.
His friend Zeeshan Khan, a KP Forest Department employee from Peshawar, called the day a very personal occasion.
“I marked Pakistan’s birthday today like it was my own. Gaining independence is a huge blessing from Allah, and we should celebrate it with the same zeal as any other blessing,” he said.
Zeeshan added that August 14 also reminds us of our ancestors’ sacrifices and the duty of the youth to continue their mission.
“Each year, 14th August brings to mind the great sacrifices made for Pakistan. The passion and energy shown on Jashn-e-Azadi must stay with us all year, and reflect in every positive action we take for our country,” he said.
He stressed the importance of young people in building the nation’s future, noting that about 64% of Pakistan’s population is youth.
“The youth carry a huge responsibility to work hard for Pakistan’s economic growth,” he said.
“Every country has goals for progress and prosperity. We must put in effort, stay committed, and aim high to make Pakistan an economic power,” Zeeshan said.
Later, the group turned their patriotic meet-up into a small party, enjoying chapli kebabs and rice pulao while singing national songs and sharing the festive vibe with other tourists through videos.
Their gathering also reflected the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who during his final visit to Islamia College Peshawar on April 12, 1948, urged students to become honest, patriotic builders of the nation.
That same spirit was visible in Swat on Friday, as young visitors, families and locals celebrated Independence Day among mountains, forests and lakes, pledging to work for their country’s progress and prosperity.
Throughout the valley, cars were adorned with national flags, while homes, markets and public areas were decorated with green-and-white bunting. Children especially loved the Independence Day stalls selling flags, banners, badges and mini models of the Pakistan Monument.
Tourists from across the country, especially KP and Punjab, added more energy to the celebrations. Hotels and guesthouses were full as people used the holiday to enjoy the valley’s beauty.
For local residents, the event also meant economic benefits. Camel and horse riders, shopkeepers and small vendors gained from the surge in visitors, boosting rural tourism.
Better security and pro-tourism policies by the government have also helped revive tourism in KP, making places like Swat more popular with local travelers.
As night fell over the mountains, green and white flags kept waving in the cool wind. For tourists like Omar and Zeeshan, the Mahodand Lake celebration was not just a break from routine — it was a time to think about identity, sacrifice and duty amid their homeland’s stunning beauty.
Across Swat, Pakistan’s Independence Day was celebrated not just with flags and songs, but with one shared message from locals and visitors: love for the country must not be limited to August 14.
