HAFAR UL BATIN (Saudi Arabia): Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended on Friday a military parade held at the conclusion of the North Thunder exercise. He was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif. Contingents from 21 Muslim countries took part in the parade.

The prime minister, along with leaders of the other participating nations, watched the contingents march past the stage, a press release from the PM House said.

Pakistan’s fighter aircraft performed aerobics, including a performance by two JF-17 Thunders and the Sherdil formation with its eight Karakoram-8 aircraft.

SSG Commandos performed free fall exercises. They jumped from helicopters, carrying flags of the countries participating in the exercise.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Sharif met King Salman in the Royal Palace of the King Khalid Military City.

Gen Sharif and Special Assistant to PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi were also present.

King Salman said he was grateful to Mr Sharif for accepting his invitation to witness the military exercise. He said that the event had strengthened cooperation and understanding between the armed forces of the two countries.

The prime minister thanked King Salman for Saudi Arabia’s support, while advocating for enhanced cooperation, particularly in commercial, economic and investment sectors.

Mr Sharif commended the successful completion of the military exercise and expressed the hope that it would promote unity among the Muslim countries and strengthen their resolve to counter militancy and terrorism.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2016