Public turns up in large numbers at full dress rehearsal 

Islamabad

The general public turned up in large numbers at the Parade Avenue to witness the impressive full dress rehearsal for the Pakistan Day Parade here on Tuesday.

Although it was a working day in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad but still, there were jam-packed enclosures with public, two days ahead of Pakistan Day falling on March 23.

Apart from other worth-mentioning performances by the armed forces and contingents of other security forces, the significant inclusions for the first were participation of troops of Saudi Special Forces, march-past by a contingent Chinese armed forces and display of Turkish military band.  The arrival of contingents from friendly countries was applauded by the visitors who stood in their seats to welcome them.

The public especially the children and women took special interest free-fall jumping by commandos from the three armed forces led by General Officer Commanding, Major General Tahir Masood Bhutta, enthralling separate performances by JF-17 Thunders and F-16 aircraft.

The enthusiasm among visitors reached at peak during the fly past and on arrival of contingent of Special Services Group (SSG). “It’s feels great to watch the parade of the armed forces, free fall jumping and fly past," Wajiha, a 12-year student from Rawalpindi said.

Another student, Ahmad and his family have been waiting for this day for the last few months and they were happy to watch the event.

Fool-proof security arrangements were made on eve of the rehearsal. But, 'the visitors turning up at the parade avenue highly commended arrangements made on occasion saying that they experienced no problems while reaching site of the parade avenue and during the process of security clearance.