ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Day military parade held at the Parade Avenue in the federal capital of Islamabad, with the Saudi defense minister attending as a guest of honor.
The parade was on the 84th anniversary of Pakistan’s republic day, marked each year to celebrate the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the Muslim League party, which called for the creation of an independent state for the Muslims of India on March 23, 1940.
Saturday’s parade kicked off with the fly past of fighter jets of the Pakistan air force and navy, while newly inducted J-10 C , indigenously built JF-17 , F-16 and Mirage fighter jets as well as AWACs, P-3C Orion and ATR participating in the fly past.
“The Saudi Defense Minister attended the parade as a guest of honor,” .
Separately, after the parade, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Saudi Arabia’s minister of defence, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, at a special investiture ceremony held at the Presidency.
The Nishan-e-Pakistan is the second grade of the Order of Pakistan, the highest civilian award in Pakistan. It is awarded to “those who have rendered services of highest distinction” to the national interest of Pakistan. Government officials and civilians, including citizens of Pakistan and foreign nationals, have received the award.
In the Pakistan honours system, the Nishan-e-Pakistan is equivalent to the Nishan-e-Haider, the nation’s highest military gallantry award.
“The award was conferred in recognition of Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud’s meritorious services for Pakistan and its people, enhancing defence cooperation, strengthening of bilateral ties and contributions towards peace efforts in the region,” .
The award ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif as well as federal ministers, top military leaders and members of the diplomatic corps.
