ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) – Full dress rehearsal will be held on Monday at the parade venue in the federal capital, as preparations are in full swing to celebrate Pakistan Day on 23rd March in a befitting manner.
With Pakistan Day just four days away, stringent security measures are being taken in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi to avoid any untoward incident during the military parade- the event which was resumed last year after a hiatus of seven years.
Rangers and police have enhanced their patrolling at important points in the capital territory.
Troops and organisers are busy round the clock in rehearsals and making administrative arrangements.
As part of the preparations the armed forces will hold full dress rehearsal on Monday at the Parade Venue in Islamabad.
Special traffic arrangements will also be made to facilitate the commuters on the parade day.
A meeting was held on Saturday to give final shape to the security and traffic plan.
In addition to the deployment of contingents by Pakistan Army, about 3700 police personnel are likely to be deployed at main points to provide protection to the participants of the parade. Snipers and sniffer dogs will also be deployed to avert any threat.
As part of security measures, mobile service in the capital will also be suspended during the military parade. The whole city would be sealed on March 23 with erecting police pickets at all exit and entry points.
Residents of the twin cities are also taking special interest in the rehearsal of troops and visiting the bridge on Faizabad interchange to witness the rehearsals such as free fall jumps and aerobatic maneuvers of fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force.
Participating troops include foot columns of Army, Navy, PAF, Frontier Corps , Northern Light Infantry, Mujahid Force, Islamabad Police, Tri-Services Lady officers, Tri-Services Armed Forces Nursing Service, Girls Guide, Boys Scouts, Special Service Group from three Services, mechanized columns of Armoured Corps, Artillery, Army Air Defence, Signals, Engineers, Army Strategic Force Command, Camel Band and Presidents Body Guard.
“Hum Teray Sipahi Hain”
On Friday, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) released a video song – “Hum Teray Sipahi Hain” – ahead of Pakistan Day.
The three-minute spectacular song carries the message that the armed forces are fully prepared to defend the motherland at any cost.
Pakistan Day
March 23 is observed as Pakistan Day. The day is celebrated to commemorate the passage of resolution by the the Muslim League at the Minar-e-Pakistan (Pakistan Tower) Lahore that called for establishing an independent homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent.
On August 14, 1947, Pakistan came into being and since then, the day is celebrated annually at the national level.
Joint parade by the armed forces and civil departments is a common celebration for the event.
