Pakistan stages spectacular parade to mark big day

• Foreign ministers and representatives from 57 OIC countries watch grand show in IslamabadPakistan yesterday celebrated its National Day with great fanfare with the armed forces displaying their might at a spectacular annual military parade in Islamabad. The highlight this year was the presence of foreign ministers and representatives from 57 countries participating in the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) who were guests of honour.Pakistan Day commemorates the passing of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the subcontinent.The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in all the provincial capitals. A change of guards ceremony was also held at the mausoleums of the Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Mohamed Ali Jinnah in Karachi and national poet Allama Iqbal in Lahore. Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayer for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.The grand military parade in Islamabad featured the three contingents of the armed forces and other security forces conducted a march while fighter jets presented aerobatic manoeuvres. Troops from other countries, including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain also participated in the parade. Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Arif Alvi, the three services chiefs, federal ministers as well as officials were at hand for the show. After a mesmerising show from Pakistan Air Force squadron, Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy parachuters demonstrated their skills with free-falls from 10,000 feet.Pakistan Air Force jets perform aerobatic manoeuvres.