Pakistan celebrates National Day with military parade

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Pakistani Air Force jets demonstrate an aerobatic performance during a military parade in Islamabad, Pakistan, Friday, March 23, 2018. Pakistanis celebrated their National Day with a military parade in the capital, Islamabad, showcasing short- and long-range missiles, tanks, jets, drones and other hardware. Troops, including female soldiers, marched past a stand with political and military leaders. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

ISLAMABAD – Pakistanis are celebrating their National Day with a military parade that’s showcasing short- and long-range missiles, tanks, jets, drones and other hardware.

Pakistani President Arif Alvi marked the occasion saying that the region needs peace, not war and Pakistan wants to live peacefully with its neighbours. He said Pakistan’s war is against hunger, poverty and unemployment.

As part of security measures for Saturday’s parade in Islamabad, authorities suspended mobile phone services.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahtir Mohamad was the chief guest of the parade.

Alvi was tp honour selected Pakistanis and foreigners with civilian awards later in the day. Naeem Rashid, who rendered his life in attempt to stop the gunman in last week’s New Zealand mosque attacks, will be honoured posthumously.

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