Carnival atmosphere on parade day

The citizens of the twin cities were floored by the Pakistan Air Force aerial display during the Pakistan Day Parade finally marked on Thursday after being rescheduled from March 23 due to bad weather.

The residents came out in droves at Zero Point to witness the spectacular airshow as the local administrations had announced a holiday on March 25.

Many stuck to their television screens to maintain social distancing amid rising novel coronavirus cases and followed the celebrations with their families in the comfort of their homes.

Like every year, the citizens were not allowed to come close to the parade owing to security reasons. The viewers also enjoyed the display of colours in the parade while children also mimicked the parade at homes.

Meanwhile, those who could not contain their excitement for the flypast made their way to wide, open spaces to witness the synchronised jets. Chants of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ echoed in the twin cities as youngsters captured the aerobatics on their mobile phones.

More than 1,000 police personnel were deployed to maintain the law and order situation in Islamabad and Rawalpindi while cellular services remained suspended as well.

Moreover, nine DSPs, 25 inspectors, 272 wardens, and 69 traffic assistants were utilised to maintain the flow of traffic in the twin cities.

Sources had also told The Express Tribune that kite-flying, aerial firing, and releasing pigeons into the air in the areas around the parade ground were banned while residents were also not allowed to come out on the roofs of their houses or building complexes.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2021.