ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military parade, which was postponed due to inclement weather on March 23, was held Thursday (today) in Islamabad, with the armed forces of Pakistan presenting displaying their military might for the world to see.
The day was Pakistan day to commemorate the day when resolution of Pakistan was passed by All India Muslim League in 1940, demanding a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia. The later was turned into a military day despite the day for democracy.
The grand event featured contingents of the all three wings of armed forces and the security forces conducting a march past as fighter jets presented aerobatic maneuvers.
The traditional military parade is the mega event of Pakistan Day celebrations and is held at the Parade Ground near the landmark Shakarparian hills in the federal capital.
Prime Minister Imran Khan did not attend today’s event as he is quarantining at home after testing positive for coronavirus.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, a limited number of spectators were allowed to witness the parade.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu led the formations of PAF fly-past aircraft during Pakistan Day Parade.
The impressive ceremony started with the fly past of fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy led by Air Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu presenting salute to the chief guest President Arif Alvi.
Formations of fighter jets including F-16, JF 17 Thunder, Mirage, AWACs. C-130 and P-3C Orion participated in the fly past.
Contingents of Pakistan Army, Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Special Services Groups, Frontier Corps, Rangers, Islamabad Police, Frontier Constabulary, Airport Security Force and Boys Scouts, marched past the dais presenting salute to the chief guest.
Amidst applause by the audience, JF-17 and formations of Sherdils presented breath taking aerobatics spreading range of colors in the skies.
As a mark of strong bonds between Pakistan and Turkey, a Turkish fighter jet also presented a whole range of dazzling manoeuvres.
A Turkish military band on the occasion presented different tunes including that of Dil Dil Pakistan, Jaan Jaan Pakistan.
Floats depicted culture of Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and the four provinces.
The floats of Ministry of Science and Technology and the frontline healthcare workers against Covid-19 were also part of the parade.
While addressing the ceremony, President Arif Alvi said Pakistan has the capability to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty, categorically stating that any misadventure will receive a befitting response.
He said we will defend our independence at all costs.
The president however said Pakistan desires peace, security and development in the whole region and has also taken practical steps towards that end.
He said peaceful coexistence is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He said the situation warrants that the leadership of South Asia reject the politics of hate, prejudice and religious extremism to guide the region towards prosperity.
He said Pakistan wants to move forward with good intent and peace but our desire for peace should not be construed as our weakness.
Alvi said Pakistan is a strong nuclear power. Apart from making progress in the socio-economic sectors, the country has achieved self-reliance in defence.
He expressed satisfaction that Pakistan is also exporting its defence products.
Voicing serious concerns over the human rights situation in Indian occupied Kashmir, the president said the resolution of the Kashmir dispute is imperative for ensuring peace in South Asia.
He said the entire Pakistani nation stands by their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in this hour of trial. He said Kashmir is a jugular vein of Pakistan and we will continue to raise their voice at all forums.
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