The mega parade of military forces is a recurring occurrence on March 23, when Pakistan demonstrates its defense and strategic capabilities under the theme “Shaad Rahy Pakistan.”
The magnificent parade began with a flypast of Pakistan Air Force fighter jets commanded by Air Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar.
Prior to Imran Khan‘s arrival, the chiefs of three military forces arrived at the venue. When Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived, the parade venue erupted with applause.
Finally, Pakistan’s President, Dr. Arif Alvi, attended the high-profile event as a guest of honor.
On the parade area, contingents of the Pakistan Army, Navy, Air Force, Special Services Groups, Frontier Corps, Rangers, and Islamabad Police marched.
The contingent of Infantry, Air Force, Special Services Group, and Commandos was applauded enthusiastically by the public, and the parade was inspected by Pakistan’s President.
The parade’s highlight was the recently commissioned Chinese-built fighter jet, J-10 C, which was making its first public appearance in Pakistan. The audience was wowed by the flypast of the J-10C, JF-17 Thunder, and F-16.
The flypast featured formations of fighter jets such as the J-10C, F-16, Mirage, Sherdils, and P-3C.
Several Fakhr-e-Pakistan personalities were highlighted during the march, including Saima Saleem, a visually-impaired Foreign Office official who provided a resounding reaction to India’s bogus assertions before the UN General Assembly last year.
The Pakistan Day parade featured prominent guests from the OIC-CFM, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The procession also included troops from allied countries such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. Uzbek military marched in the Pakistan Day parade for the first time.
The provincial floats showcased several provinces’ cultures and historical sites.
The first float, before the provinces, was from the OIC, as a special homage to the delegates from 57 countries attending the high-profile meeting in Islamabad.
Along with students from Balochistan and tribal districts, a number of martyrs’ families were present.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa addressed the students, urging them to further their education and contribute to the advancement of their remote areas.
When the students yelled chants in support of the Army Chief, General Bajwa told them to chant for Pakistan, not for him.
To read our blog on “This year’s Pakistan Day Parade will draw an international audience,” click here.
