Pakistan Day parade to be held on limited scale amid austerity drive
Pakistan
This year’s military parade will be held at the President House instead of Shakarparian ground
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Pakistan Army has decided to hold the annual parade of the armed forces on the Pakistan Day on a limited scale, joining the government’s austerity drive that aims at warding off the economic crisis.
The military parade is observed each year on March 23. The event is at the centre of celebrations to commemorate the 1940 Lahore Resolution that called for the establishment of an independent country for the Muslims of British-ruled India.
Thousands of Pakistanis used to gather at Shakarparian ground in Islamabad every year to celebrate the day and watch the glorious display of the country’s military power and cultural diversity.
Pakistan has been reeling under a massive economic crisis with the rupee recording historic low, depleting foreign exchange reserve and decades-high inflation. In view of the financial crunch, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in February this year unveiled a massive austerity drive at the federal government level to slash expenditures while eyeing an ambitious plan to save Rs200 billion annually.
Sources said this year’s military parade would be held at the President House instead of the traditional venue in view of the economic challenges being faced by the country.
The Pakistan Army has decided to follow the austerity policy alongside the people. The move to limit the parade event will help cut the cost as it requires huge expenses.
