The mega march of armed forces is a regular feature on 23 March, when Pakistan showcases its defense and strategic capabilities with the theme “Shaad Rahy Pakistan”. The splendid march kicked off with the fly past of fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force led by Air Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar.
Earlier, the chiefs of three armed forces arrived at the venue before Imran Khan’s entry. The parade venue echoed with loud claps by the people when Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived at the venue.
The highlight of the parade was newly commissioned Chinese-built fighter jet, J-10 C, considering it was its first public display in Pakistan. The flypast of J-10C, JF-17 Thunder, and F-16 delighted the audience.
Formations of fighter jets including J-10C, F-16, Mirage, Sherdils, and P-3C participated in the flypast.
During the parade, the names of Fakhr-e-Pakistan personalities were also mentioned, including Saima Saleem, a visually-impaired Foreign Office official who gave a thunderous response to India’s baseless claims at the UN General Assembly last year.
Participants of the OIC-CFM including Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, were special guests of the Pakistan Day parade.
The troops of friendly countries including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan also took part in the parade. It was the first time Uzbek troops participated in the Pakistan Day parade.
The provincial floats represented the culture and historical places of different provinces.
Before the provinces, the first float was from the OIC as a special tribute to delegates of 57 countries participating in the high-profile moot in Islamabad.
A float of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with Pakistani and Chinese flags on it also displayed major CPEC projects.
A number of families of martyrs were present besides students from Balochistan and tribal districts.
At the end of the ceremony, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa spoke to the students, urging them to get educated and play a part in the progress of their remote areas. When the students chanted slogans in favor of the Army Chief, General Bajwa said that they should raise slogans for Pakistan and not for him.
Participants also posed for pictures with the Army Chief and other officers. The Army Chief and DG ISPR also met with media representatives and discussed a number of things.
