Pakistan celebrates national day with first military parade in 7 years

ISLAMABAD, March 23 (UPI) -- On Monday, Pakistan held its first Republic Day military parade in seven years, after it was suspended in 2009 due to security concerns.

The celebration began at dawn, with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in the provincial capitals across the country.

Representatives of Pakistan's Air Force, Army and Navy showcased their respective forces at the Parade Ground near Shakarparian.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman led a flyover of Air Force and Navy jets. Paratroopers parachuted to the ground and presented the national flag to President Mamnoon Hussain.

The parade included a display of Army tanks, including Al-Khalid and Al Zarrar tanks, rolling past the reviewing stands. Pakistan also uncovered the Burraq drone during the festivities. The drone, locally-made, is the country's key weapon in battling against Islamic militant groups in the area.

Regiments from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Frontier Corps and Pakistan Rangers marched in the parade and saluted the president.

Monday's celebration comes three months after the country's deadliest terror attack killed 145 at a school in Peshawar in northwestern Pakistan.

President Mamnoon Hussain spoke at the parade, noting that Pakistan Day is a reminder of those who struggled for the creation of Pakistan and said that as president he is resolved to help rid the country of terrorism and help ensure a peaceful future.