Despite the many comments against military parades it is also a fact that they are enjoyed by the general public who like to see all the pomp and pageantry, if not at the parade ground then certainly on their television screens. Asking various persons their opinion, I found that a majority of them were happy that the military parade was taking place again this year after a lapse of seven years, the last one being held during General Musharrafs civilian stint at the presidency.
As for the debate taking place on social media, there are mixed opinions but the ‘ayes’ are in a majority and say it will be a morale booster. As for myself I am all in favour of these so called ‘show of strength exercises.’ For me they are not a show of strength but a source of pride. It is a good feeling to see the smartly turned out officers and other soldiers marching in precision to the beat of a military band playing uplifting music. What makes for a special ‘feel-good’ emotion is the passing by of the women’s contingent, so it is hoped it is included this time around! The display of firepower and hardware is important I guess, but has no significance for many of us except to remind of all the destruction that takes place during a war.
“Martial displays can prompt other nations - especially on borders - to continue a parade arms race in order to dispel notions of vulnerability and strengthen deterrence” says Franz-Stefan Cady in the New York Times and you can agree with him or not. While military parades are being phased out in European countries, they are held in nearly all Asian capitals and witnessed by thousands of people either live or on television screens. Here in Pakistan it was always a looked forward to event. As children and young teens we used to be thrilled to bits to be going to watch the parade. Colourful buntings and flags and music being played by a military band gave a feeling of festivity as we took our
seats at the venue. The first half of the parade was always exciting and the second half a little boring but that was soon dispelled when the floats passed by. The most thrilling part was the fly past by jet fighter planes led by the Air Force chief himself!
This year’s parade has invited much comment and many rumours – that the COAS had gone to China to invite President Xi Jinping to witness the parade! The visit was in fact one of many he took in those days and had nothing to do with the parade. This has led to a rumour floating around that President Xi Jinping will be coming to Pakistan to attend - it is up to the Foreign Office to clarify that he is not. As far as it is known according to press reports, he has a very important domestic agenda which needs his presence in China. So here’s praying that all goes well. These days we need a little morale boosting and to show pride in our armed forces who are fighting the good fight to see that the forces of evil do not overwhelm us. Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad. Pakistan Paindabad!