ISLAMABAD—A spectacular military parade is underway at Parade Avenue in Islamabad as the nation celebrates Pakistan Day today (March 23).
The much-anticipated event formally began with the national anthem. Following the recitation of holy Quran, President Asif Ali Zardari observed the parade from a jeep.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also attending the event, and the Saudi Defense Minister has been a guest of honour at the parade.
The impressive ceremony kicked off with the flypast of fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy. Newly inducted J-10 C, indigenously built JF-17, F-16, and Mirage fighter jets, as well as AWACs, P-3C Orion, and ATR, participated in the flypast.
This day in 1940 marked the adoption of the historic Lahore Resolution, which provided a framework for the realization of the goal of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia.
The day it dawned with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for the country’s prosperity and solidarity. The national flag was hoisted on major government buildings.
An investiture ceremony will be held at Aiwan-e-Sadar in the afternoon. President Asif Ali Zardari will confer awards and medals to personalities for their outstanding contribution in different fields.
