The Pakistan Day Parade, commemorating March 23rd, showcased Pakistan's historical journey towards independence and its commitment to national defense. With the participation of friendly nations' armed forces, including Azerbaijan and China, the event featured impressive displays of military prowess and solidarity.
March 23 is a shining chapter in our national history. On this day, the Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent embarked on a struggle based on a pact to acquire a separate homeland for themselves. This pact, known in history as the Pakistan Resolution, was an unwavering commitment of the Muslims towards freedom, which no power in the world could thwart, and they succeeded in achieving independence for Pakistan in a short span of seven years.
The Pakistan Day Parade is a part of the national traditions of the Armed Forces of Pakistan and marks the pinnacle of national sentiments and communal joys. It reaffirms our commitment to not hesitate in sacrificing for the freedom, dignity, and honor of our beloved homeland.
The occasion of the 84th Pakistan Day Parade had an added significance as it witnessed the participation of friendly countries' armed forces, including Azerbaijan and People's Liberation Army, China.
The formal commencement of the Pakistan Day Parade began with the arrival of the dignitaries. As they took their designated places, the parade ground resonated with slogans of "Allah-o-Akbar" and "Pakistan Zindabad" along with enthusiastic chants of "Ay Mard-e-Mujahid Jaag Zara." The hearts were filled with love for the country, not only among the masses but also among the distinguished guests, which included high-ranking officials, military commanders, foreign delegates, and representatives of media agencies.
The parade featured various regiments of the Pakistani Armed Forces, including Punjab Regiment, Baloch Regiment, Frontier Force Regiment, Azad Kashmir Regiment, Sindh Regiment, Northern Light Infantry Regiment, Mujahid Regiment, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, FC (Frontier Corps) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh Rangers, KP Police, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Scouts, Lady Officers, and the unique Special Services Group contingent.
Once the formations were in place, the Parade Subedar Major handed over the parade to the Parade Commander, and the distinguished guests started arriving at the parade ground. The Vice Chief of the Air Staff arrived first, followed by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, and Chairman Joint Chiefs of the Staff Committee. Finally, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan arrived on the traditional horse-drawn carriage. The presidential salute was followed by the national anthem and then by the recitation of verses from Surah Al-Anfal. After the recitation of the Holy Quran and its translation, the President of Pakistan reviewed the parade along with the Parade Commander. Following this, a fly-past was conducted, showcasing the professional skills of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy's aviators.
Among those present on the parade ground were individuals who have illuminated Pakistan's name worldwide through their skills in various fields, thus earning the title of 'Pride of Pakistan.'
The parade ground witnessed the passage of formations of fighter aircraft. After the conclusion of the fly-past, the Guest of Honor for Pakistan Day Parade, the Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia, arrived at the parade venue. Following this, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan addressed the parade, reassuring the Armed Forces of the nation's commitment to defending the homeland.
After the President's address, all participants in the parade raised the national slogan. Following this, the Pakistan Day Parade passed in front of the saluting dais, with the jeep-mounted Parade Commander, Parade Second-in-Command, and Parade Staff Officer passing by. This was followed by the contingents passing in front of the saluting dais. The parade participants saluted the national flag.
After the flag-bearing contingent, marching columns representing national zeal and discipline passed in front of the saluting dais. They embodied the principles laid down by Quaid-e-Azam: faith, unity, and discipline, with a sparkle in their eyes heralding Pakistan's bright future.
The distinctive feature of the 84th Pakistan Day Parade was the participation of the armed forces of Azerbaijan, alongside the tri-services troops of the People's Liberation Army of China, showcasing practical cooperation between Pakistan and its friendly brotherly nations.
Following the marching columns, mechanized columns comprising the Armored Corps, Infantry, Artillery, Pakistan Army Air Defense, Corps of Engineers, Corps of Signals, and Pakistan Air Force Air Defense, as well as SPD, passed in front of the saluting dais.
After the marching and mechanized columns, the Army and Naval Aviation fly-past was presented. The General Officer Commanding Army Aviation was leading the fly-past, which included airlift and air assault helicopters.
Following the fly-past of the Army and Naval Aviation, the JF-17 Thunder of the Pakistan Air Force thrilled the participants with its thunderous roar over the parade ground, earning applause and appreciation. This was followed by the entry of the F-16 aircraft, demonstrating exquisite professional skills that garnered immense popularity and acclaim.
Subsequently, the daring team of the Pakistan Air Force Sherdil formation presented a spectacular aerobatics display. Following this, representing Pakistan's beautiful culture, cultural floats showcased music, art, poetry, philosophy, science, research, exploration, smiles, love, and dance, capturing the attention of the spectators and celebrating the rich colors of the homeland. These floats included representations from Kashmir, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh.
After the floats, the thrilling freefall jumps by the tri-services were presented, featuring the Army's Shahbaz team, the Navy's Sea Eagle Team, and the Air Force's Shahpar. The tri-services free-fall jumps were led by the General Officer Commanding Special Services Group.
Following the freefall jumps, children from various schools presented a special song. Holding the waving national flag in their hands, they conveyed the message that Pakistan's future is bright. With this, the memorable ceremony of the Pakistan Day Parade came to its conclusion.
This splendid parade was memorable on many counts. It was a reflection of national aspirations, a display of the professional capabilities of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, and an emblem of Pakistan's indomitable spirit, affirming the resolve of the Pakistan Armed Forces and the nation that no sacrifice will be too great for the freedom, independence, and security of the beloved homeland.
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