Pakistanis on Monday celebrated 70 years of independence since Partition from India after the end of British rule in the subcontinent.

The largest airshow in the history of Pakistan was held at Islamabad and Karachi to celebrate the day of independence.

The first airshow was held at Fatima Jinnah Park, Islamabad. President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest at the occasion while Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir, Chief of Air Staff Sohail Aman and ambassadors of friendly countries also witnessed the magnificent event.

Pakistan Air Force fighter and training aircraft including Mirage, SAAB-2000, and Augusta-139, and MI-17 and Puma helicopters from Army Aviation participated in the show. Besides PAF aircraft, aerobatic teams from Turkey and Saudi Arabia also performed in this mega event.

“Solo Turk” was observed flying overhead F-9 park with a thundering sound while manoeuvres of the aerobatics team of Turkish Air Force left the spectators spell bound. The next event was a spectacular aerobatics display of Saudi Hawks aerobatics team of the Royal Saudi Air Force.

The blue skies of Islamabad were filled with colours as this acclaimed aerobatic team displayed eye-catching drills. The spectators thoroughly enjoyed the breathtaking manoeuvres of the aircraft and appreciated the spetacle by clapping and chanting slogans.

After the thrilling performance of Saudi Hawks, the indigenous JF-17 Thunder aircraft entered the arena followed by the Augusta helicopters which performed a solo aerobatics display.

The show was rounded off with the Tri-Services free fall display in which the Commandos from the Special Services Wings jumped from a C-130 aircraft flying at height of 10,000 feet, safely landing at the designated places.

Another airshow was held at Sea View Karachi with Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah as the chief guest. F-16, P-3C Orion, Z-9, Alouette-III and Sea King helicopters presented the fly past at the venue. Afterwards JF-17 Thunder and PAF aerobatics team Sherdil presented a mesmerising aerial display.