ISLAMABAD: With the 70th Pakistan Day just a few days away, elaborate arrangements are underway to celebrate it with great national zeal and patriotic spirit.
To mark Pakistan Day in a befitting manner, the armed forces are busy in rehearsals and drills to celebrate it in a spectacular way. Preparations for the 23rd March parade are in full swing at Shakarparian parade ground.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, a special feature of the parade this year will be the participation of Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) China’s Tri-Services and Saudi Special Force’s contingents and Turkish Janissary Military band (Mehteran). Amongst other dignitaries, Chief of South African National Defence Force General Solly Zacharia SHOKE will also witness the parade.
It will be a closed holiday and the day will dawn with 31 gun salute in the federal capital, while 21 gun salute in the provincial capitals.
Special ‘dua’ ceremonies would be organised at the mosques after Fajr prayers, seeking solidarity, integrity and prosperity of the country.
Armed forces and other departments can be seen busy in rehearsals and making other administrative arrangements for the day, to be held in dignified and respectful manner.
Residents of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are also taking a keen interest in the rehearsal and visiting nearby areas such as Faizabad and I-8 interchanges to witness aerobatics manoeuvres of fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
Participating troops include foot columns of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, PAF, Frontier Corps, Northern Light Infantry, Mujahid Force, Islamabad Police, Tri-Services Lady officers, Tri-Services Armed Forces Nursing Service, Girls Guide, Boys Scouts, Special Service Group from three Services, mechanized columns of Armored Corps, Artillery, Army Air Defence, Signals, Engineers, Army Strategic Force Command, Camel Band and Presidents Body Guard. Chinese Army troops and Turkish Military Band will also be participating in the parade.
Mechanised columns of various prestigious services of the country would also be part of the day parade.
The ISPR has been releasing special promos on a daily basis for the celebrations of the Day in a befitting manner.
“No force on earth can undo Pakistan” is the main theme of the promo with core slogan “Pakistan Zindabad.” Print and electronic media would respectively carry out special supplements and programmes, highlighting the sacrifices of the martyrs, who laid their precious lives in defence of the motherland.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad Capital Territory police have chalked out special security plans to ensure holding such a mega event in a magnificent manner.
Traffic police have also devised traffic plan for ensuring smooth flow of traffic on city roads. Certain routes will remain closed for public transport which would be offered alternative routes, keeping in view convenience of the general public.