Pakistan Day Military Parade Held in Islamabad
The Pakistan Day military parade was held today, Saturday, at the Parade Avenue in the federal capital of Islamabad, with the Saudi defense minister attending as a guest of honor.
Celebrating Pakistan’s Republic Day
The parade is being held on the 84th anniversary of Pakistan’s republic day, marked each year to celebrate the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the Muslim League party, which called for the creation of an independent state for the Muslims of India on March 23, 1940.
Fly Past of Fighter Jets
Saturday’s parade kicked off with the fly past of fighter jets of the Pakistan air force and navy, while newly inducted J-10 C, indigenously built JF-17, F-16, and Mirage fighter jets as well as AWACs, P-3C Orion, and ATR participating in the fly past.
Saudi Defense Minister as Guest of Honor
“The Saudi Defense Minister is attending the parade as a guest of honor,” state-run Radio Pakistan said.
Conferment of Nishan-i-Pakistan Award
After the parade, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Saudi Arabia’s minister of defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, at a special investiture ceremony held at the Presidency.
Military Parade Highlights
Contingents of the Pakistan army, navy, and air force as well as Special Services Group, Frontier Corps, Rangers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police, and Gilgit Baltistan Scouts marched past the dais during Saturday’s military parade, presenting a salute to the chief guest and the guest of honor. Mechanized columns, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, rocket launchers, and air defense systems were showcased.
Aerobatic Maneuvers and Cultural Floats
The parade featured aerobatic maneuvers by fighter jets and helicopters, floats depicting the culture of different regions, and skydivers from the Special Services Group. The event culminated with a special song presentation themed ‘Pochay Jo Naam Koi Tum Pakistan Batana.’
Prime Minister’s Commitment to Economic Recovery
In a message to the nation, PM Sharif expressed commitment to putting the country on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a “cogent policy reform framework.”
Renewed Resolve of the Armed Forces
The Pakistan army congratulated the nation on Pakistan Day, reaffirming their resolve to defend the motherland and protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all times and at any cost.