Nation Witnesses Pakistan Day Parade after 7 years
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Day parade was held on Monday at the newly constructed Parade Ground near Faizabad Interchange in Islamabad.
The parade marks the day when Lahore Resolution was passed in 1940, calling for a separate homeland for Muslims of India.
12:39pm
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a letter, congratulated PM Nawaz on Pakistan Day.
I have written to Pakistan PM Mr. Nawaz Sharif, conveying my greetings on the National Day of Pakistan.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2015
It is my firm conviction that all outstanding issues can be resolved through bilateral dialogue in an atmosphere free from terror & violence
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2015
12:10pm
As the parade comes to an end, Twitter users are all praise for the armed forces for a military show to remember.
#PakistanDayParade after ages such proud feeling, may we unite 2 respect &protect all our citizens with equality &dignity Pakistan zindabad
— Aurangzaib khan (@AurangzaibPTI) March 23, 2015
1979 #PakistanDayParade #23rdMarch pic.twitter.com/cCtc4W9e02
— ظفر عباس (@zafar_zee) March 23, 2015
This was the best parade ever Pakistan’s getting stronger by day الله اكبر ☝️ #PakistanDayParade
— Ali de shayk (@aliiovo) March 23, 2015
It was a great patriotic show by #pak army. Well done jawans. #PakistanDayParade #PakistanDay
— چاند | Moon (@OHelloG) March 23, 2015
True independence and freedom can only exists in doing whats right. Brigham Young #WeSalutePakArmy #PakistanDayParade
— Ayeshagjr (@Ayeshagjr) March 23, 2015
12:03pm
President Mamnoon, PM Nawaz and chiefs of armed forces join the school children for a photo session.
11:55am
Students from various schools, waving Pakistan flags, walk around the parade ground.
Dressed in traditional outfits, the children perform national songs specially written for this occasion.
11:52am
As the parade nears its end, troops fold the Pakistan flag and present it to President Mamnoon.
The president meets commanders who led various contingents during the parade.
11:40am
Members of all armed forces – army, air force and navy – now dive from above in a free fall jump.
The jumpers make a smooth landing after flying fearlessly in a display of professional perfection.
11:31am
PAF’s F-16 now makes an appearance, with its deafening thunder resonating in the parade ground. Ring Commander Usman Khalil flies the aircraft above the venue, putting up a magnificent display.
11:10am
In a glorious display of strength, Pakistan Air Force’s J-F 17 Thunder flies past the parade ground. Completing a full circle, the aircraft flies above the participants in full speed.
Flown by Commander Usman Ali, the JF-17 also performs thunder turn and barrel roll before it disappears in Islamabad skies.
11:10am
Fly past begins as air vehicles including cobra attack and high-speed helicopters hover above the parade.
Sher Dil squad put up a colourful show of aerial formations, leaving parade participants in awe.
10:51am
Floats representing Pakistan’s cultural diversity – with replicas of landmarks from Karachi to Khyber – take part in the Pakistan Day parade.
10:51am
Cohorts displaying strategic weapons, including land-to-land, cruise and nuclear warhead-capable missiles, are now marching past the parade ground.
The contingents also displayed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle which are playing a crucial role in intelligence gathering during recent times.
10:38am
Armoured contingents comprising tankers, air defence equipment and multi-missile launchers, take part in the parade.
10:25am
Cohorts of armed forces march past as PM Nawaz, President Mamnoon and Army chief witness the parade.
The contingents include members of Army, Navy and Air Force personnel as well as Pakistan Police and Pakistan Rangers.
10:14am
Addressing the military parade, President Mamnoon Hussain says the sacrifices made by our ancestors are unrivalled.
The president lauds the efforts of army officers taking part in Operation Zarb-e-Azb. “I am proud to watch the parade today,” he adds.
Speaking about Pakistan-India relations, Hussain says the country wants to maintain friendly relations with its neighbor and resolve Kashmir issue through dialogue. He also says Pakistan wants to build cordial ties with Afghanistan and maintain peace internationally.
With regards to Pakistan’s sea growing by 50,000 sq kms recently, the president says that it is for the first time that the continental shelf limits of a country have been extended.
10:09am
While those present at the parade were busy fending off the unforgiving March heat, emotions ran high among Pakistanis watching the ceremony at home. Many took to Twitter to express what they called nostalgia for the past.
Been waiting 7 years for this moment #PakistanDayParade
— Liaqat Andrabi (@Slh_Andrabi) March 23, 2015
Goosebumps #PakistanDayParade
— عائشہ درانی (@AD_ChiTown) March 23, 2015
#PakistanDayParade miss those days when was in school
— قراردادِ پاکستان (@KhochaL) March 23, 2015
Best part of the day. Fly pass over our heads lead by Air Chief Marshal. #PakistanDay #23rdMarch #PakistanDayParade
— SaudBinYounis (@SaudBinYounis) March 23, 2015
09:58am
President Mamnoon Hussain is the chief guest for the event while the parade will also be attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army chief General Raheel Sharif.
09:30am
Security measures have been put in place for the joint military parade of Pakistan’s armed forces.
Police officials had confirmed that mobile phone service will remain suspended in the twin cities during the parade.
09:20am
The last military parade took place on March 23, 2008 during the tenure of Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf as a civilian president.
09:10am
Security was beefed up in Rawalpindi and Islamabad by setting up checkpoints on different places and deploying personnel of the law enforcement agencies.
All the main arteries entering the parade avenue remain closed for traffic. Murree Road, linking Rawalpindi to Islamabad, was also be sealed.
