Pakistan Independence Day Turns Chaotic: Cakes Looted, Bottles Thrown in Viral Videos

New Delhi: Pakistan celebrated its Independence Day on 14 August. Programmes were held at various places across the country, stages were seen decorated in the colours of the tricolour, and people celebrated with fireworks. But meanwhile, some videos surfaced from Lahore and Peshawar that raised questions on the picture of Pakistan's Independence Day celebrations. In the viral video, at some places people were seen pushing and shoving to get pieces of the cake, while at other places a dispute-like situation was seen among the crowd. The discussion regarding these videos intensified among social media users in Pakistan itself.

Why did the crowd gather for cake in Lahore?

On Instagram, a user named Abdullah Nawaz shared a video in which the scene of Pakistan's Independence Day celebration is seen. The video was accompanied by a claim that it was recorded in Lahore. A big cake prepared on the theme of the Pakistani flag was kept in the programme. As soon as the cake was cut, a crowd of people came forward to take it.

What happened after the cake was cut?

It is seen in the video that after the cake was cut, the people present there started pushing each other to get its pieces. Within a few moments, the atmosphere became such that people were seen fighting among themselves to get a share of the cake. The video of the scuffle that took place between the people present at the program later spread rapidly on social media.

Was a similar scene seen in Liberty Market also?

According to the claim made on social media, a big cake was also prepared in the famous Liberty Market of Lahore on the occasion of Independence Day. The cake was decorated with the colours of the Pakistan flag. A large number of people were present there during the programme. People shared the video of the situation after the cake was cut on social media, after which it came into discussion.

Has video of dispute surfaced in Peshawar also?

After Lahore, a video has also surfaced from Peshawar. It has been claimed that during the Independence Day celebrations, there was a dispute between two groups over some issue. In the video, it is being claimed that some people are seen throwing bottles towards each other. However, detailed information about what started the dispute and who were involved in it has not been revealed.

What did Pakistan's social media users say?

After these videos went viral, social media users of Pakistan also reacted. Some people expressed displeasure over the lack of discipline and order in public events. Some users linked these incidents to the current social and economic situation of the country and targeted the government. Many people raised questions as to why there were not adequate arrangements to control the crowd in programmes organised on national occasions like Independence Day.

How true is the viral video?

It is important to be cautious about claims made with videos that go viral on social media. The location and full circumstances of the events depicted in the video have not been independently confirmed based on available information. In such a situation, it is difficult to say that all the videos are actually related to the programmes of August 14 only. At present, debate is going on on social media regarding these videos and people are keeping an eye on any official information coming from the local administration.