ISLAMABAD: The iconic March 23 parade won’t be happening. Instead, a special Pakistan Day ceremony will be held at Aiwan-e-Sadr to mark the occasion.
Sources say the decision was made to keep things simple due to the holy month of Ramazan.
President Asif Ali Zardari will be the chief guest, with the Prime Minister and service chiefs also in attendance. The ceremony will include the hoisting of the national flag, followed by a salute from a Pakistan Army contingent.
Preparations are already underway at the President’s House lawns, but due to space constraints, the general public and many other guests won’t be invited this time.
However, one thing remains the same—a Pakistan Air Force flypast will still take place over Aiwan-e-Sadr, with foreign diplomats and other distinguished guests watching.
Even without the full-scale parade, Pakistan Day will still be marked with national pride and tradition.