07 March 2005	Monday	25 Muharram 1426

ISLAMABAD, March 6: The first rehearsal for the Pakistan Day Parade was held on Shahrah-i-Quaid-i-Azam on Sunday.

A press release issued by the ISPR said Parade Commander Brig Naushad Ahmed Kiyani and other senior armed forces officers witnessed the rehearsal.

Marching and mechanized columns of the Pakistan Army, aircraft of Pakistan Air Force and contingents of Pakistan Navy, PAF, Pakistan Rangers, Mujahid Force, police and boy scouts participated in the rehearsal.

Organizers had made special traffic arrangements on this occasion to avoid inconvenience to the commuters.

The second rehearsal for the Pakistan Day Parade will be held from 4pm to 7pm on March 8 (Tuesday). Shahrah-i-Quaid-i-Azam between Khayaban Chowk and Parade Venue will remain closed from 4pm to 7pm for all types of traffic.

Crossing at Khayaban Chowk and Kulsoom Plaza will be allowed soon after the columns have passed these points.

Traffic will be restricted partially on the Constitution Avenue between Radio Pakistan Chowk and Secretariat Chowk. Eastern side of the Constitution Avenue will only be used for movements to and from the main building located on the avenue.

Parliament Lodges road will not be a thoroughfare, and only the residents will be allowed to use this road.

PPI adds: The second rehearsal of the Pakistan Day parade will be held on Tuesday on Shahrah-i-Quaid Azam between Khayaban Chowk and the parade venue. The route will remain closed from 4pm to 7pm for all types of traffic, says a press note issued on Sunday.