Pakistan Day parade: President terms armed forces symbol of defence

Mamnoon awards shields to Chinese, Saudi troops for their participation

ISLAMABAD: The country’s armed forces with their professional capabilities and devotion have made the country’s defence formidable, said President Mamnoon Hussain on Saturday.

The president was addressing the award ceremony and the ‘Bara Khana’ (grand luncheon) arranged for the armed forces for their participation in the Pakistan Day Parade. A large number of top armed forces officers and soldiers were present on the occasion, said a press release.

Mamnoon lauded the armed forces for their successful display during the Pakistan Day parade and said that the joint parade was an undeniable proof about the exemplary discipline and excellent capabilities of the armed forces.

77th Pakistan Day: Spectacular display of military might

“The nation felt proud over the professional aptitude of the armed forces as they were the symbols of defence, integrity and pride of the motherland,” said Mamnoon.

He remarked that the 23 March parade strengthened nation’s enthusiasm. It also re-established the nation’s confidence that the armed forces of the country with their thorough professionalism were fully capable of defending the country at any moment, the president told the troops.

The president also expressed happiness at the participation of troops from China and Saudi Arabia and the Turkish military band. He said. “Their participation [foreign troops] displayed everlasting friendship ties among Pakistan and these countries and expressed his gratitude over their participation.”



Mamnoon was of the view that the parade has helped in promoting Pakistan’s image at the international level, and told the gathering that the height of their professionalism has struck awe in the eyes of the enemies.

The president said, “The armed forces of Pakistan have always defended and served the nation and the country at every critical moment which is unprecedented.”

He also paid tribute to the sacrifices of officers and personnel of the armed forces for successfully destroying the network of terrorists. He reiterated that Operation Radd ul Fasaad was the manifestation of the national resolve and it would continue till the last terrorist was eliminated.

The president  also gave away prizes to the officers and soldiers for showing best performance besides, various departments of the civilian administration and the craftsmen of the cultural floats.

During the event officers of the Chinese and Saudi troops were also awarded shields. The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan received the shield on behalf of the troops.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2017.