Military might on display as nation celebrates Pakistan Day
OIC officials witness parade as guests of honour
The nation on Wednesday celebrated the 82nd Pakistan Day (March 23) with zeal and fervour with the joint armed forces parade in the federal capital to exhibit the country’s military prowess and cultural diversities. Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Naval Chief Admiral Ajmal Khan Niazi, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza and Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak attended the arms show at venue.
The parade included contingents of the tri-services, paramilitary forces and civil armed forces, whereas the troops from Pakistan’s friend countries also participated in the show. One of the important highlights of the parade was the fly-past of the newly inducted J-10C fighter jets. The J-10C aircrafts, equipped with cutting-edge technology, were inducted into the Pakistan Air Force’s squadron earlier this month.
The commandos of the Special Services Group (SSG) also demonstrated their skills during the parade.
Another colourful attraction of the event was the display of floats, representing all four provinces, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Meanwhile, the participants of 48th Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers also attended the Pakistan Day parade on special invitation. This year’s theme is “Shad Rahe Pakistan” (May Pakistan Be Happy) and which is adapted from the words “Markaz e Yaqeen Shad Bad” in our national anthem (Blessed be the citadel of faith.
President Dr Arif Alvi addressing the prade on Wednesday said Pakistan would never compromise on its sovereignty and vowed that “any external aggression would be strongly dealt with”. “I want to make it clear to the enemy that Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty as the nation and armed forces are ready to thwart any aggression,” he said in his address at the Pakistan Day event held here at the Parade Avenue, Shakarparian. This year’s annual event attained great significance as the foreign ministers of the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) witnessed the joint services parade, where Pakistan showcased its military prowess.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, cabinet members, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, and prominent figures who gained accolades for their services to Pakistan were present.
President Alvi said the expansionist designs of Pakistan’s neighbouring country was a matter of concern for the security and stability of South Asia.
He mentioned India’s illegal occupation in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the international community and the United Nations to stop the ongoing human rights violations.
Referring to the country’s resolve against fighting extremism and terrorism, he said, “Pakistani nation has made immense sacrifices in wars and stood resilient against internal and external conspiracies.”
He lauded the valour and courage of the country’s armed forces and nation for making their homeland strong and prosperous.
Arif Alvi said the Pakistani nation and all institutions of the country supported the upholding of democracy in the country. Troops from other countries, including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, also participated in the parade.
During the Pakistan Day ceremony, Pakistan Air Force Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar flew an F-16 warplane and presented salute during the fly-past along with two other J-10 aircraft. Wing Commander Bilal Raza and Wing Commander Hassan Anees were also with the PAF chief on this occasion.
One of the important highlights of the parade was the fly-past of the newly inducted J-10C fighter jets. The J-10C aircrafts, equipped with cutting-edge technology, were inducted into the Pakistan Air Force’s squadron earlier this month.
On this occasion, Pakistan exhibited its military might. It displayed Shaheen III and other missiles during the Pakistan Day parade. The Nasr Missile team was led by Major Muhammad Azeem Rajpoot.
The Special Service Group (SSG) commandoes also displayed their free fall demo skills.
