The Pakistan Day parade on March 23 will take place at the President’s House instead of its usual venue, with a scaled-down ceremony due to Ramadan and cost-cutting measures by the government.
Sources from the Interior Ministry revealed that the event will have limited military hardware on display, with only key weapons showcased. The Pakistan Air Force’s aerial display will also be reduced.
Traditionally held at Shakarparian in Islamabad, the parade marks the anniversary of the Lahore Resolution of 1940.
This year, the ceremony will include a guard of honor for President Asif Ali Zardari and will be attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and the chiefs of the army, navy, and air force.
Organized by the Joint Staff Headquarters, the event highlights the country’s military strength and national unity, with cultural floats from all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The day will start with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals.