Pakistan Day: Amid tight security, Islamabad hosts parade

Extraordinary measures make movement problematic.


Our Correspondent March 24, 2015
A parade float highlights the millennia-old culture of Punjab, featuring Mughal architecture, farming, folk music, and the metro bus. PHOTO: APP

ISLAMABAD:


After a hiatus of seven years, the Pakistan Day parade was held at the new parade ground near Shakarparian amid tight security.


The event, which started at 8am and ended at midday, was witnessed by President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and chiefs of Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force, diplomats, officials and a select group of people.

The Pakistan Day parade used to be held in front of the Parliament House until 2008, when internal security issues and terrorism incidents in the country caused its suspension.

In 2007, the Capital Development Authority allotted the land for the new parade avenue opposite Kachnar Park on Islamabad Highway Work on the project was executed by the Frontier Works Organisation.

All roads leading to the venue had been closed. Special passes had been issued to guests to witness the event.

“I am very happy that the event was commemorated after a long time with the usual zeal and fervour,” said Abdul Mateen, who attended the event. He said, “The day was a positive message to the world community that the nation is united and determined to fight the menace of terrorism”.

Many participants of the event suggested that the affair should be a regular feature in the future.

Security arrangements

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration had taken extraordinary security measures to avoid any untoward incident.

Over 10,000 police officials including paramilitary officials had been deployed at different locations and at entry and exit points, while the army took control of security at the venue.

Cellular service suspended

Cellular service remained suspended in the twin cities from 6am to 2pm. A day earlier, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority had announced that services would be suspended till the event ended. Owing to the suspension of the cellular service, residents of the twin cities faced immense communication problems.

Public holiday

The government had announced a public holiday to mark the day, while hospitals in the twin cities had been put on high alert.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2015.

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