People flock to Fatima Jinnah Park for spectacular airshow

Islamabad
The people of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad were enthralled to witness an impressive air show by the fighters of Pakistan Air Force on Sunday as the nation marked with zeal the golden jubilee of the Defence Day of Pakistan.
As the fighters of the PAF, with blazing afterburners thundered over the skies of the Federal Capital, hundreds and thousands of people, including excited children and elderly, sat on grass or stood under trees, raised slogans of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’.
The event was held at the Air Headquarters and witnessed by thousands at the adjoining F-9 Fatima Jinnah Park. President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest.
People drove in from Rawalpindi and far off places to wait for hours to witness the show. The greenbelts was jampacked with vehicles, while families on motorbikes, parked along the various service roads around the venue.
The airshow comprised fly past of the F-16, JF-17, painted in white and green national colour, and Mirage aircraft. It also included an enthralling show by the daredevils of PAF flying the K-8 aircraft -- known as the 'Sherdil' -- lion hearted team.
The Sherdil team, trailing red and white smoke, flew in diamond and clover leaf formations, performed loops, took steep turns, and performed the barrel roll. The finale as usual was the spectacular bomb-burst by six aircraft that received a thunderous applause.
The rooftops of the crowded low-cost apartments at Karachi Company, the posh houses of F-10 and F-8 and adjoining areas waved the green and white national flag.
Young children wearing badges of national flag shouted excitedly as the F-16 took sharp turns and made quick directional changes, overhead. The young ones covered their ears, but waved as the aircraft turned away.
"I want to be a pilot," said a 4-year-old Ali as his young sister a 3-year-old Fatima shouted "me too".
The JF-17 and F-16 dispersed a shower of flares as they vertically climbed and received yet another round of applause from the people.
Despite the rain last night, it was all clear skies and was difficult for young Babar to keep his eyes open to track the fast moving aircraft in bright light. He finally got his dad's glasses to help him see the aircraft.
A helicopter stole the show as it nose-dived, flew in reverse, and displayed its agility with sharp turns and manoeuvring capability.
Commandoes carrying the national flag and hanging with ropes from a Puma helicopter got applause from the crowd.
The show also included paragliding and paradrops by a C-130 aircraft. Colourful parachutes dotted the blue sky as coloured smoke trailed from the canisters, tied to their boots, that too evoked an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
Strict security arrangements were made all around the venue, with contingents of Quick Reaction Force of Pakistan Army, manning all roads and intersections.