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Islamabad thunders on Pakistan Day
*Personnel from Pakistan Army, PAF, Navy, SPD, Rangers, FC, Police, Boys and Girls Guides hold parade after a gap of seven years
APP
ISLAMABAD: The nation celebrated Pakistan Day on Monday with the pledge to defeat the forces of extremism and terrorism and work hard for the progress, prosperity and stability of the country.
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for the integrity and solidarity of the country. It was a public holiday and national flag was hoisted on major government buildings. A change of guard ceremony was held at the tomb of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal in the morning, and a contingent of Pakistan Air Force assumed the guard duties. Various political, social, religious, and literary organisations held functions to highlight importance of Pakistan Resolution that paved the way for the creation of an independent homeland for Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent.
Photo exhibitions were held at the arts galleries in different cities depicting different aspects of Independence Movement and photographs of the founding fathers. Pakistan Day was also celebrated with traditional zeal and enthusiasm in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan Day functions were held at Pakistani missions abroad where ambassadors and high commissioners unfurled the national flag and read out the Pakistan Day messages of the president and the prime minister. Reports of celebrations of the day have come in from New Delhi, Colombo, Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Berlin, Ankara and other world capitals.
The traditional military parade was the hallmark of celebrations. The parade was held after a gap of seven years at the newly constructed Parade Ground near Shakarparian. President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest on the occasion while Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmood, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of Naval Staff Muhammad Zakaullah and several other dignitaries attended the parade. Special Services Group of Pakistan Army enthralled the audience with slogans of “Allah Hu”, whereas the female contingent was also prominent.
Commandos of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Frontier Constabulary conducted march-past in their unique style, whereas Pakistan Air Force carried out a brilliant fly-past. Students of various schools presented national songs on the occasion. An investiture ceremony was held at the Presidency in the afternoon in which President Mamnoon Hussain conferred awards and medals on prominent personalities for their outstanding performance and meritorious services in different fields. Investiture ceremonies were also held in the provincial capitals to confer awards and medals.
Various political, social, religious and literary organisations arranged functions to highlight importance of Pakistan Resolution that paved the way for the creation of an independent homeland for the Muslims of subcontinent. Radio Pakistan, PTV and other electronic channels broadcast special programmes on the occasion, while newspapers published special supplements, highlighting the significance of the day. Led by Brigadier Khurram Sarfraz Khan, personnel from all three services, Pakistan army, navy and air force, Strategic Command, Rangers, FC, Police, Boys and Girls Guides participated in the parade and presented a salute to the president of Pakistan. This year’s event took place at the new Parade Ground, specially built near scenic Shakarparian. In the past, the parade was held on Parade Avenue in front of Parliament House and before that, at the Race Course in Rawalpindi.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk