Spectacular display of military skills

Crowds cheer at soldiers performing anti-terror strike, free fall, parajumping

KARACHI:

The skies echoed with the roar of the fighter jets and helicopters while crowds cheered at a spectacular demonstration of professional skills of armed forces at Nishan-e-Pakistan monument at Sea View Beach.

Contingents of Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Army took part in an airshow, beach landing, anti-terrorism mock exercise and other displays of tactical prowess as part of the ongoing defence exhibition IDEAS 2022.

Unlike the display going on at the Expo Centre, the show at the Sea View was open to public and specially meant for the citizens of Karachi. During the show Pakistan Navy’s amphibious force, marines, and Special Services Group of Pakistan Army presented a special anti-terrorism demonstration signifying their professional training.

In addition, a joint counter-terrorism demo was also made comprising fly past and free fall jump by soldiers of the three armed forces. Forces personnel performed beach landing speed boats and hovercraft. During the demonstration, commandos landed on the beach with the help of ropes from Sea King helicopters.

Fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force presented demonstrations of various manoeuvers and released flares in the air, amassing great applause from the audience. The citizens captured the memorable moments through their mobile phone cameras.

People said the IDEAS show at Sea View was memorable. Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that Pakistan faced worst form of terrorism after 9/11 but armed forces thwarted all such plans and protected the country as well as its people. Governor Sindh Kamran Tisori, provincial minister Shabir Bijarani, Vice Admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz, Coast Commander, and foreign delegates were also present on the occasion.

The CM appreciated the role of the armed forces in general and the Pakistan Navy in particular for their services in the recent floods. He added that the Navy remains at the forefront in providing humanitarian and disaster relief assistance to the people trapped in inaccessible areas by using helicopters and hovercrafts.

The CM said that it is indeed a fabulous experience to witness the excellent conduct of the Karachi Show being part of IDEAS 2022. He added that it was heartening to watch a professionally conducted demonstration of Pak Armed Forces capabilities which spoke of their dedication and commitment to defend Pakistan against any aggression by the enemy.

“Such readiness is a surety of peace and projected in IDEAS 2022 under the theme of Arms for Peace,” he said. Shah said that showcasing of weapons and equipment during the exhibition is a proof that technology plays an important role in the defence of any country and also for armed forces to undertake their assigned responsibility. He congratulated Pakistan Navy for arranging an incredible event at Nishane-Pakistan in a befitting manner.

“It is an honour for Pakistan that our friendly countries are participating in the IDEAS,” he said and added, “I want to send a message to the world that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and avoids conflict with any country but our efforts for peace should not be taken as our weakness,” he said.