Pakistan Day parade postponed due to 'inclement weather and rains': ISPR

Published March 22, 2021
Soldiers march past during the Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad. — AFP/File
Soldiers march past during the Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad. — AFP/File

The Pakistan Day parade scheduled to be held tomorrow (Tuesday) has been postponed due to forecast of "inclement weather and rain" over the next two days, the military's media wing said in a statement on Monday.

The parade will now be held on March 25, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

"The Joint Services Pakistan Day Parade will now be held on 25th March, 2021 as per program and timings already specified," it said.

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 British Indian Empire.

The day usually begins with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad while provincial capitals mark it with 21-gun salutes. The Pakistan Day military parade is held at Parade Ground near the Shakarparian hills in Islamabad. The annual parade is attended by civil and military leadership as well as foreign dignitaries.

Fly-past demonstrations are also held to mark the day.

The parade also showcases the local cultures of the four provinces. Cultural delegates and floats from Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir are featured during the ceremony.

However, last year's celebrations were scaled down because of the coronavirus pandemic as leaders vowed to combat the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.

Concerns had arisen regarding this year's celebrations as well as the third wave of the novel coronavirus intensified in the country and more than 3,000 new cases were reported for the last five days.

However, Minister for Planning Asad Umar had earlier told Dawn that there was no plan to cancel or limit the Pakistan Day parade.

"We have already discussed all arrangements and SOPs during the parade and it will be held with the usual zeal. However, we have observed that the provincial administrative units and Islamabad are not enforcing the SOPs strictly, therefore, they have all been directed to ensure their implementation," he had said.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...