Spectacular show of military might

Turkish gunships, UAE contingent, Jordanian band join Pakistani forces in presence of Indian guests

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday celebrated its national day with a joint military parade showcasing state-of-the-art military equipment including tanks, missiles, drones and fighter jets.

The highlight of this year’s parade, however, was the attendance of an Indian delegation including the high commissioner and defence attaché.

It was for the first time in history that Indian diplomats or military representatives posted in Islamabad attended the parade. The unprecedented invitation was sent to the Indian officials at the initiative of Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, said a senior military official.



The move was seen as significant, given the current tensions between the two nuclear-tipped neighbours. The decision to invite Indian diplomats at the parade was meant to send a message to the international community that “Pakistan stands for peace,” the official added.

The parade featured many of the tanks, nuclear-capable missiles, drones, and fighter jets that make up the backbone of the country’s defence.

The country’s entire civil and military leadership including President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and the three services chiefs were present.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena was the guest of honour for this year’s joint military parade.

Interestingly, President Mamnoon Hussain observed the parade from a jeep.

Contingents of the army, navy, air force, special services groups, Frontier Corps, Pakistan Rangers,  police, nursing officers, boy scouts, and girl guides marched past the dais, presenting salutes to the president and the guest of honour.

Troops from Jordan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates also participated in the joint military parade, as commentary by Lieutenant Colonel Shafiq Malik kept attendees informed and entertained.



Air chief leads fly past

PAF Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan led the aerial formations during the fly past.

The air chief flew over the venue in an F-16 Block 52 aircraft, performing a magnificent vertical roll over the parade square. While crossing the dais, the Air Chief using the radio communication from the aircraft saluted the resilience of Pakistani nation in his words, “Presenting my salute to the great Pakistani nation, Pakistan Zindabad”. The fascinated audience fervently watched and went ecstatic to see the aircraft of the newly-appointed air chief disappear in the sky.

Behind the air chief, a four-ship box formation of F-16s, under the command of Air Vice Marshal Amir Masood, flew past the venue.  Immediately behind F-16s, was a formation of JF-17 Thunder aircraft led by Wing Commander Asad Khan.  Next to enter the arena was a formation of Mirage led by Wing Commander Yasir Minhas, followed by formations of F-7PG and F-7P aircraft under the command of Wing Commander Ahmed Bilal Mir and Wing Commander Ahsan Riaz, respectively.

Besides the fighter aircraft, airborne surveillance platforms of the PAF also participated in the fly past.  Karakoram Eagle-3 AWACS was flown by Wing Commander Faisal Nawaz, whereas, two SAAB 2000 AEWC aircraft were flown by Wing Commander Khayam Abbas and Wing Commander Aizad Shehzad, respectively.

Afterwards, the combat support element of Pakistan Air Force flew past the venue. The IL-78 air-to-air refueller was piloted by Wing Commander Zahid Iqbal, while trailing this mammoth aircraft were two C-130 Hercules, which were flown by Wing Commander Nisar Nabi and Wing Commander Imran Babar. Another momentous event of the day was the maiden flypast by an Augusta-139 helicopter formation which was led by Wing Commander Irfan Zeb.

Then, the locally-produced JF-17 Thunder aircraft, painted in the colours of the national flag, entered the arena. The aircraft was flown by Squadron Leader Zeeshan Baryar. The audience was left spellbound by the spectacular manoeuvres of this aircraft, rightfully called the Pride of the Nation.  Moments after the departure of JF-17 thunder, the roaring and thundering F-16 Fighting Falcon appeared on the horizon for a solo aerobatics display. Wing Commander Yasir Shafique, who was piloting the fighter jet, enthralled the audience with his jaw-dropping and mesmerising aerobatic manoeuvres.  The spectacular air display by the Shaheens of the PAF concluded as the F-16 disappeared in the sky, leaving the audience with expressions of awe.



President speech

In a televised address, President Mamnoon said Pakistan stood for peace and prosperity in the region but warned that its desire for peace must not be construed as its weakness.

The President asked India to peacefully resolve the long-standing issue of Kashmir.

Referring to India's cross-border violations and gross human rights abuses in Occupied Kashmir, he said these subversive Indian tactics have put regional peace at stake.

He said the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people through a plebiscite as envisioned in the UN Security Council resolutions.

The President said Pakistan’ foreign policy is centred on endeavours for permanent peace in the world and based upon non-interference in internal issues of other countries.

Referring to the geostrategic changes taking place, he said that today, the world political system is not subservient to a single power centre, therefore, nobody can impose its will and decisions on others.

Hussain said Pakistani troops have played a historic role for peacekeeping under the umbrella of the United Nations. He said Pakistan has also played an important role for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The president lauded the armed forces as well as the nation for eliminating terrorism from the country under operations Raddul Fasad and Zarb-e-Azb. He also announced the "Tamga-i-Azam" medal for those who have rendered sacrifices for restoration of peace in the country.