Islamabad: Pakistan held a grand military parade Monday for the first time in seven years as part of the annual commemoration of the historic day in 1940 when the Indian subcontinent’s Muslims formally demanded a separate homeland.
President Mamnoon Hussain, who was the chief guest at the parade held at a specially built venue, sealed off for security, reiterated in his address the nation’s resolve to wipe out terrorism from the country.
After the last Pakistan Day parade in 2008, the event was discontinued due to security concerns linked to terrorism.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmoud and the three services chiefs were present on the occasion.
The colourful ceremony kicked off with a splendid fly-past of aircraft of Pakistan Air Force and Navy led by Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman.
The formations of fighter jets F-16, JF-17, Mirage and F-7 PG and P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft presented salute to the chief guest by flying over the saluting dais.
Different regiments of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force marched past the dais presenting salute to the president.
Major elements of the country’s military arsenal including tanks, medium and long-range nuclear-capable missiles, multiple rocket launchers and the new indigenously developed armed Burraq drone were displayed.
Floats depicting culture of the country’s four provinces as well as the regions of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan were also part of the parade.
Helicopters of Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy presented fly-past.
Personnel of Special Services Groups performed a breathtaking show of paratrooping. The skydivers of the SSG presented free fall from 10,000 feet while carrying the national flags.
In his address, President Mamnoon Hussain said Pakistan wants peaceful and friendly relations with all its neighbours including India on the basis of equality.
He said Pakistan desires resolution of all disputes with India including Jammu and Kashmir through dialogue.
The president said the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the United Nations Security Council’s resolutions. This, he said, can only ensure durable peace and stability in the region.
Hussain said Pakistani troops were also playing pivotal role in the UN peacekeeping missions in different conflict zones and the country would continue to work for world peace and security.
He termed the extension of Pakistan’s seabed to 350 nautical miles by the United Nations as a significant development enhancing country’s natural resources.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent congratulations to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the Pakistan Day.
In a twitter message, Modi said it is his firm belief that outstanding disputes between the two countries can be resolved through dialogue.