The grand military parade that takes place every year on March 23 perfectly captures the patriotic spirit and national zeal of Pakistanis living across the country as well as in different parts of the world. The impressive drills by contingents of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force draw thousands of spectators to the remarkable Pakistan Day Parade in the capital city of Islamabad, with people exhibiting their love for the country by waving the national flag and filling the air with the loud and harmonious chants of Pakistan Zindabad.
While the drills are the focal point of the highly anticipated event on Pakistan Day, the outstanding airshow serves as the major highlight of the grand celebration. The skies are filled with green and white colours as fighter jets perform aerobatic manoeuvres thousands of feet above the ground, leaving the audience in awe of the agility and expertise of the pilots.
Last year, the military parade was postponed to March 25 due to weather conditions. The number of spectators had also been limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the number of coronavirus cases on a decline and the ease of restrictions across the world, the Pakistan Day Parade 2022 is going to be nothing short of extraordinary. If you live in the twin cities or a nearby area, you cannot afford to miss out on the spectacular event and forgo your chance to experience the passion of those in attendance.
Here is everything you should know about the Pakistan Day Parade, including its historical significance and what to expect during the upcoming event.
Pakistan Day Parade 2022 – A Show of Patriotism and Great National Zeal
The spectacular Pakistan Day Parade is held to commemorate the passing of the landmark Pakistan Resolution on 23 March 1940, which subsequently led to the creation of Pakistan on 14 August 14 1947. This landmark resolution, which was passed during a session at Iqbal Park in Lahore, demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the subcontinent and ultimately led to the end of almost 90 years of British colonial rule in the region.
Since this year marks the 75th Independence Day of Pakistan, the celebrations for Pakistan Day 2022 are bound to be even grander and more elaborate than ever before. Small commemorative gatherings will also be organized across the country, though the military parade in Islamabad will take the centre stage on 23 March. The ceremony will be broadcast live on the state-run Pakistan Television to ensure millions of countrymen can witness the magnificence of the event from the comforts of their homes.
Pakistan Day Parade is organised by the Joint Staff Headquarters and is overseen by the president as well as the prime minister of the country. With the event just around the corner, the troops of armed forces and other departments are busy in rehearsals and making administrative arrangements for the day to ensure a distinguished and reverent celebration. The residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have also been taking to social media to share amazing videos of roaring fighter jets performing show-stopping manoeuvres in the skies to prepare for Pakistan Day 2022.
According to a report by the Associated Press of Pakistan, the participating troops include foot columns of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Frontier Corps, Northern Light Infantry, Mujahid Force, Islamabad Police, Tri-Services Lady officers, Tri-Services Armed Forces Nursing Service, Girls Guide, Boys Scouts, Special Service Group from three Services, mechanized columns of Armoured Corps, Artillery, Army Air Defence, Signals, Engineers, Army Strategic Force Command, Camel Band and Presidents Body Guard.
It is also important to mention that special prayer ceremonies will also be organised at the mosques across Pakistan to pray for the solidarity, integrity, and prosperity of the nation.
The Location and Timings for Pakistan Day Parade 2022
The Pakistan Day Parade 2022 will take place at the Shakarparian Parade Ground, which has been specially built near the scenic tourist attraction of Shakarparian in Islamabad. The event is expected to start at 10:00 am.
Who Will Attend the Pakistan Day Parade 2022?
The event is historically overseen by the president and prime minister of Pakistan. Therefore, President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan are expected to attend this year’s Pakistan Day celebrations. They are also expected to be joined by the Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of the Naval Staff ADM Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, and Chief of Air Staff ACM Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, as well as other senior government and military officials.
Much like every year, many foreign dignitaries are also expected to witness the Pakistan Day Parade.
Islamabad Traffic Plan for Pakistan Day 2022
Islamabad Traffic Police has issued a detailed plan to avoid any traffic jams during the Pakistan Day celebrations.
According to the latest traffic plan, Islamabad Expressway, Faisal Avenue, and IJP Road (I-8 signal Faizabad) will remain closed for all kinds of traffic on March 16, 18, 20 and 23, from 5:00 am to 2:00 pm. Additionally, Murree Road from Rawal Dam Chowk to Faizabad will remain closed for all kinds of traffic on March 17, 19, 21 and 23 from 5:00 am to 2:00 pm. There will also be a complete ban on Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTV) in the capital city on 16, 18, 20, and 23 March 2022 from 12:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Moreover, the Islamabad Traffic Police has detailed alternative routes for Light Transport Vehicles (LTV) in the metropolis. All vehicles will be reportedly stopped at Rawat T-Cross, Chungi No. 26, 9th Avenue, Metro Ground, Sabzi Mandi, and Satra Meel Toll Plaza. However, the light vehicles arriving from Lahore will be allowed to commute through Rawat T-Cross to get to Rawalpindi Saddar Road, Peshawar GT Road and the motorway.
Furthermore, the incoming vehicles from the old airport will be able to access the Islamabad Expressway through Khanna Bridge, Lehtrar Road, Captain Naeem Tufail Shaheed Chowk, Park Road, Jinnah Road, Korang Road through Murree Road to get to Sectors G and F of Islamabad as well as Srinagar Highway. Commuters will also be able to make a turn from the U-turn at Malpur to reach Bhara Kahu and Murree. Meanwhile, those coming from the motorway will be able to use Srinagar Highway to travel to Aabpara, Bhara Kahu, and Murree.
On the other hand, the vehicles coming in from Srinagar Highway and heading towards Rawalpindi Airport or Lahore will have to use 9th Avenue, Murree Road, or Rawal Road. They will be required to take a right turn from the Koral flyover to get to Lahore, while only those individuals with a permit will be able to travel on the Islamabad Expressway.
Meanwhile, the list of restricted areas includes the I-8 signal on IJP Road, ADBP checkpoint on Murree Road, Khanna Bridge, Zero Point Faisal Avenue, Garden Flyover, Best Western Hotel Murree Road, Chand Tara Chowk and Dhokri Chowk.
So, are you looking forward to the Pakistan Day Parade 2022? Let us know your thoughts and comments by dropping an email at blog@zameen.com.
In the meantime, you can also check out our guides on some of the most powerful fighter jets of Pakistan and our national war memorials. To learn more about national celebrations, please stay connected to Zameen Blog. Moreover, don’t forget to visit our Facebook page to stay up-to-date about the latest property events taking place in your city.
