Developed and progressive Pakistan with a strong defence
President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan alongwith Prime Minister of Malaysia HE Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad witnessing the Pakistan Day Parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2019.
The nation is observing Pakistan Day today with a renewed pledge to make Pakistan a developed and progressive country with a strong defence.Today’s ceremonies mark commemoration of the passage of Lahore Resolution on this day in 1940, under which the Muslims of the sub-continent set the agenda of a separate homeland for themselves.The day dawned with thirty-one-gun salute in the federal capital and twenty-one-gun salute each in provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered in mosques after prayers for progress and prosperity of the country.The main feature of the day was a spectacular military parade at Parade Avenue in Islamabad where three wings of the armed forces demonstrated their professionalism and military prowess.Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan has reiterated PAF’s commitment to safeguard the air frontiers of Pakistan.While crossing the dais in an airplane on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day Parade today, the Air Chief using the radio communication from the aircraft saluted the resilience of Pakistani nation in his words, “Make no mistake; we will always safeguard Pakistan.”
He further communicated saying presenting to you our wings of freedom and the guardians of your skies. Pakistan Zindabad. Air Chief led the formations of PAF fly-past aircraft on the auspicious occasion. Keeping the tradition of his predecessors, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan flew over the venue in an F-16 Block 52 aircraft performing a magnificent vertical roll over the parade square.
The fascinated audience fervently watched and went ecstatic to see the aircraft of Air Chief disappear in the sky.Earlier, the Air Chief arrived at an Operational Air Base of Pakistan Air Force to lead the PAF formations participating in Pak Day Parade fly past. He met with the combat air and ground crew at the base and lauded their extraordinary level of devotion and motivation.
The Turkish and Chinese pilots also demonstrated aerial maneuvers, which were applauded by the audience. A formation of Chinese Air Force presenting excellent aerobatics spread spiral of red and green smoke symbolizing Pakistan-China time-tested friendship. The parade also featured troops from Azerbaijan, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Bahrain and Sri Lanka.
Mechanized columns including tanks, armored personnel carriers, rocket launchers, air defense system, tactical communication system, indigenously built UAVs, short and long ranged missiles Ra’ad, Nasr, Ghauri and Shaheen were showcased on the occasion.Paratroopers from Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy demonstrated marvelous free fall.
There was also similar demonstration by the paratroopers from Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Bahrain and Brunai.Floats depicting culture of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and the four provinces added colour to the celebrations.Prime Minister Imran Khan, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mehmood Hayat and Services Chiefs witnessed the parade.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was the guest of honor of the parade.
Minister of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Commander National Guard of Bahrain Sheikh Mohamed Bin Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, foreign diplomats, a large number of people from all walks of life, including artists, sportsmen, women and children witnessed the parade.The parade culminated with presentation of a special song with the theme ‘Pakistan Zindabad.”
Addressing the military parade in Islamabad today, President Dr. Arif Alvi says Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence but its desire for peace should not be misconstrued as weakness.He said Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and it wants peace and development, not war. He said Pakistan respects integrity and sovereignty of other states.
The President said India’s irresponsible attitude has jeopardized peace in the region. He said India will have to accept Pakistan as a reality, and it must come to the conclusion that dialogue is the only way to resolve issues.The President said we are a peaceful nation, but are not oblivious to our defence, and the same has been proved in the recent demonstration of Pakistan’s defence capability.
Dr. Arif Alvi said Pakistan has the right to respond to any aggression.
He said Pakistan’s armed forces, which have always been alert to defend the motherland, befittingly responded to the Indian strike after Pulwama incident, for which the entire nation pays tribute to its valiant armed forces. Dr. Arif Alvi said today Pakistan is a strong military force and an emerging economy.
Terming terrorism as a threat to world peace, the President said Pakistan has successfully overcome the challenge of terrorism by carrying out effective military operations.He said country is safe and now moving on the path of progress and development . He, however, pointed out that the country is dealing with the challenges of poverty, unemployment and extremist mindset.
Dr. Arif Alvi said peace in Afghanistan is imperative for durable peace and stability in Pakistan. He said Pakistan has no interest in Afghanistan except peace, and it fully supports political reconciliation in Afghanistan.He said the participation of the representatives of Pakistan’s friendly countries including Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Bahrain and Sri Lanka has added valour to today’s military parade and this signifies Pakistan’s friendship with these countries.
