Ahead of their respective Independence Day celebrations, India and Pakistan officials seem to playing the game of tall flags.

It began in March when the Amritsar Improvement Trust hoisted a 360-foot-tall tricolour during BJP leader Anil Joshi’s stint as minister in Punjab government. Rs 3.5 crore was invested in the flag.

The attempt, however, failed as strong winds tore down the flag a couple of days later. The authorities finally decided to take down the flag and seek experts’ advice before hoisting it again.The flag appeared in sight again after three months on Sunday, a day before Pakistan hoisted its flag at the Wagah border. It measures 120 feet in length, 80 feet in breadth and is hoisted on a 360-foot-tall pole.

Meanwhile, Pakistan kicked off their Independence Day festivities at midnight on Sunday by hoisting a 400-foot-high flag at the Attari-Wagah border near Lahore.

Reported to be the highest flag in south Asia and the 8th highest in the world, the flag is 400-feet high and 120 feet by 80 feet in size.

It is made in Pakistan and was hoisted by Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Speaking on the occasion, Gen Bajwa said, “Some 77 years ago, Pakistan resolution was passed in the same city (Lahore). Today, the country is progressing on the path of the law and the constitution. All institutions are working properly. We will make Pakistan the country of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal.”

“We have rendered many sacrifices – we will never forget our martyrs. We will execute each and every terrorist in Pakistan. I want to tell our enemies, whether they are in the east or in the west, that your bullets will end but not the chests of our jawans [soldiers],” he added.

Speaking about the ongoing challeges at the Line of Control, he said, “I assure you that we will never let you down. Any power that will aim to weaken Pakistan, the Army and all other institutions will foil their attempts.”