Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, UAE Minister of State for Defense Affairs, has commended the strong and friendly relations between the UAE and Islamic Republic of Pakistan across all fields.
The Minister made the remarks while participating in Pakistan’s celebration of its National Day in Islamabad on 23 March 2018, UAE national news agency WAM reported.
Accompanying Al Bowardi during the celebration were Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, the UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, top brass and the Minister’s accompanying delegation.
Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain, senior military commanders, senior Pakistani government officials, and guests from brotherly and friendly countries, also attended the event.
A military parade in the capital Islamabad showcased short and long-range missiles, tanks, jets, drones and other hardware. Troops, including female soldiers, marched past a stand with political and military leaders.
Thousands chanted “Long Live Pakistan” as Pakistani air force jets flew over, showing off the country's air power, and paratroopers jumped out of helicopters.
Pakistan air force has been critical to the military’s offensive against militant hideous in the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan. The military has claimed success in routing militants, but violent attacks have has continued.
As part of security measures in Islamabad, authorities suspended mobile phone services during the parade, presumably as a precaution against homemade bombs being triggered remotely by cell phones.
Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain used the occasion to promise to defeat militants who have killed thousands of people in attacks over the past decade.
Authorities blocked some roads in Islamabad during the parade, considered a main event in the day’s festivities. Later on Friday, 141 Pakistanis and foreigners were honored for outstanding services and achievements, as part of the celebrations.
This year, Cuba’s late ruler Fidel Castro was honored in gratitude for sending Cuban doctors to Pakistan in the 2005 earthquake that killed 75,000 people.
