ISLAMABAD, : 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).
Moreover, the theme “Shad Rahe Pakistan” is also the title of the latest enthralling national song recently released by the Inter-Services Public. The song is written and sung by lyricist and singer Shuja Haider, with vocalist Yashal Shahid.
Moreover, the ISPR also issued a short public message to pay homage to the nation and the father of the nation.
Earlier, President Dr Arif Alvi issued a special statement, on the occasion.
The statement, released on the official Twitter account of President of Pakistan, embodies messages for the nation about independence, national stability, supremacy of law, human and minority rights to mention some.
“Achieving national freedom is considered as half work. The remaining half, being crucial for a state’s security and stability, is equally important. This includes blending of various ethnic and minority groups into a single nation, ensuring the supremacy of law, eliminating terrorism and internal disturbances, achieving economic growth, promoting good relations with the world and above all, protecting human rights of all the citizens of the state,” the statement read.
