ISLAMABAD: Independence Day of Pakistan was celebrated all across the country with celebratory events. The biggest such event was a breathtaking airshow by Pakistan Air Force. The largest air show in the history of Pakistan was held at Islamabad. The first air show was held at Fatima Jinnah Park, Islamabad. President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest at the occasion. Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir and Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, the chief of the Air Staff, also witnessed the event. Ambassadors of friendly countries, former air chiefs and high ranking civil and military officers were also present at the occasion. PAF fighter and training aircraft including Mirage, SAAB-2000, and Augusta-139 from PAF; while, MI-17 and PUMA helicopters from Army Aviation participated in the show. Besides PAF aircraft, world renowned aerobatic teams from our brotherly countries Turkey and Saudi Arabia also performed in this mega event. The huge crowd gathered in the lush green F-9 Park was ecstatic to see ‘Solo Turk’ flying overhead with a thundering sound. The stunning maneuvers of this world famous aerobatics team of Turkish Air Force left the spectators spellbound. The next event was a spectacular aerobatics display of ‘Saudi Hawks’, 07 ship formation aerobatics team of Royal Saudi Air Force. The blue skies of Islamabad were filled with colours as this acclaimed aerobatic team displayed eyecatching drills. The spectators thoroughly enjoyed the breathtaking maneuvers of these aircraft and showed their appreciation by clapping and chanting slogans. After the thrilling performance of Saudi Hawks, the indigenously JF-17 Thunder aircraft entered the arena. The spectators cheered with joy to see the spectacular maneuvers of this aircraft, rightfully called the ‘Pride of the Nation’. Moments after the departure of the roaring JF-17 Thunder, Augusta helicopters appeared on the horizon for 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 and safely landed at the designated places. Published in Daily Times, August 15th 2017.