LAHORE: The Lahorites witnessed first-ever “Azm-i-Pakistan Parade” on Pakistan Day on Main Boulevard, Gulberg, featuring bands, floats, entertainment and music.

While the military parade was held in Islamabad after seven years, the Lahore’s parade served as a relief from terrorism activities being clipped by the army and other law-enforcement agencies.

“This colourful parade has relaxed our mind and Lahorites’ enthusiastic participation has voiced that terrorism activities must come to an end and the people should lead a happy and relaxed life,” said Samanza, a student, who is waiting for her Class-VI annual examinations results.

Know more: Pakistan holds first Republic Day parade in seven years

Quite enthusiastic herself, she said, the Azm-i-Pakistan parade had sparked enthusiasm among people as they thronged in immense number and could see Pakistan’s real face so closely.

“We have enjoyed seeing numerous floats, vintage cars, heavy bikes as well as artistes including Meera, Jawad Ahmed and Ali Azmat and want such events on a regular basis,” added Samanza.

Muhammad Ahmed Khan, a Class-II student, said enthusiastically, “Today we celebrated the Pakistan Day in the real sense. Pakistan Zindabad”.

The Azam-i-Pakistan Parade, organized by the City District Government Lahore, began amidst massive participation of the people, including youth, women and children.

DCO retired Capt Muhammad Usman inaugurated the parade. The parade held from the Liberty Roundabout to the Mini Market U-turn and back. A number of MNAs, MPAs, artistes, senior journalists participated in it.

In presence of a heavy contingent of police and security measures, the parade began with floats, including 25 marching bands, educational institutions, Rescue 1122 and fire brigade squads, city district government, civic agencies. There were traffic police’s bikers, police band and Aitchison’s horse riders. Children were exuberant to see vintage cars as well as Pakistan’s tallest man Naseer Somroo. Parents were seen taking pictures of their children with vintage cars, floats, horses and the tallest man in the background. Students from different schools also participated in the parade, holding the longest national flag.

Youths also danced on the tunes of Dhol played by Papu Sain and Goonga Sain as well as other performers. The crowd also enjoyed seeing dancing horses. The puppet-show was another feature that attracted children a lot.

Asim, a Class-V student, said this was the first event that he had enjoyed and wanted more such activities so that they could avoid wasting time on watching TV for longer hours.

“Enthusiasm is all around as very person is carrying Pakistani flags and even a flag was fluttering behind an aeroplane that continued flying over the main boulevard,” said Asim.

Murtaza Rehmat, an accountant by profession from Baghbanpura, said this first-ever Pakistan Day parade had won hearts of Lahorites as they thronged the boulevard in large numbers. “I myself could enter the main boulevard after slowly moving queues through the walk-through gates – but I am happy over the security measures,” he said.

Various singers also performed from the floats as they moved on the Main Boulevard.

Later in the evening, an enchanting fireworks show was held at Minar-e-Pakistan. The Racecourse Park and Canal Road were the two other venues which people visited in great numbers and enjoyed a host of activities. Long queues were also seen in front of the Racecourse Park, while families walked along the Canal Road to see different floats in the canal, including those of birds – some of them were also moving their wings!

Police high-ups claim that some 10,000 policemen were deployed to guard the Pakistan Day parade and other events in the city. Traffic remained choked on the city roads particularly in the evening when the Azm-i-Pakistan Parade concluded.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Army began the Pakistan Day celebrations with the 21-gun salute in the border village of Burki. Special prayers were also offered in Masjids for the well-being and prosperity of the country.

In the evening, a large number of people also attended the flag lowering ceremony at Wagah border.

Political parties and different organisations held rallies and seminars to highlight the importance of Pakistan Day resolution.

Published in Dawn March 24th, 2015

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