Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy celebrated Pakistan Day with full zeal and fervour on Friday.

This auspicious day is observed to remind the nation the great and immortal sacrifices at the cost of which the country was created when the Muslims of the subcontinent declared their demand for a separate homeland to safeguard the sanctity of the rights of Muslims in the subcontinent.

The day began with gun salutes and special prayers offered in mosques for solidarity and integrity of the country. Pakistan Navy Ships and establishments were illuminated and Commanding Officers of all units and establishments addressed special gatherings of officers highlighting the significance of the day.

The major event of the day was Joint Services Pakistan Day Parade, which was held at Shakarparian Islamabad. Captain Syed Atif Shah was Parade Second in Command whereas smartly clad and agile contingent of the Pakistan Navy, led by Commander Syed Saqlain, was part of the Parade. Lady officers, Female Medical Technicians of Pakistan Navy, Special Services Group and PN Band were also part of the tri services contingents. In addition, the Pakistan Navy aircraft P3C Orion, Z9EC and helicopters also flew overhead during the parade.

Captain Shahzad Hamid led P3Cs formation fly past. P3Cs – Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, known as Flying Destroyers are normally fitted with anti-surface missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, depth charges, bombs and mines.

Proudly known as Stingray, Pakistan Navy Z9EC helicopters are equipped with state of the art radar and dipping sonar and armed with torpedoes and depth charges and designed to hunt enemy submarines. Captain Zahid Farooq led the Z9EC formation.

Helicopters, termed Sharks are part of Pakistan Navy 111 Squadron. These state of the art helicopters are capable of undertaking Anti Submarine Warfare and Anti Surface operations, besides carrying out maritime surveillance. Captain Nauman Bashir Usmani led the formation.

The PN Sea Eagle team, led by Captain Imran Rana, Special Services Group was also part of the tri services sky diving team. This team exhibited various free fall jumping techniques, which included complicated maneuvers and landing at targets with precise accuracy.

Various other activities including flag hoisting ceremonies at different PN units/establishments with a singing performance of the National Anthem and songs by the students of Pakistan Navy Academic Institutions were also held.

A special Pakistan Day Fun Fair was organised in Karachi separately, where various activities highlighting the significance of the day were arranged for the interest of children and families. A large number of officers, CPOs/sailors and their families including civilians attended the fun fair.

Published in Daily Times, March 24^th  2018.