Taqreebaat-e-yaum-e-azaadi: Parade returns to capital

ISLAMABAD: The whooshing of Pakistan Air Force jets over the capital on Monday reminded residents of the military parades that would mark Pakistan Day till around a decade ago. The government has decided to hold a ceremonial military parade this August 14. With security arrangements in queue and government buildings decked up with fairy lights, the “Taqreebaat-e-Yaum-e-Azaadi” scheduled to take place on the night of August 13 are going to be the first of their kind. The military parade on Constitution Avenue will display cultural troupe floats, tanks and an air show, all at night — a first in the country’s history. The flying objects include jets, drones and helicopters along with fireworks, otherwise prohibited under Section 144, which will be relaxed for the evening. Police, Rangers, FC and 350 soldiers of the army will be on security duty in the capital on the day of the events.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th,2014.