SoloTurk plane gets warm welcome at Pakistan Day gala

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AA) - The skies of Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, were filled Saturday with rainbow colors coming from roaring jets dazzling spectators on Pakistan Day ceremonies.

Thousands gathered at the Islamabad Parade Ground to witness a stirring parade ceremony of the country's armed forces.

The special appearance of a pilot from Soloturk, the famed Turkish Air Force aerobatic team, alongside Pakistani Air Force aircraft made the mega-event even more special.

The Soloturk pilot did a demo flight to demonstrate the deep fellowship between Turkey and Pakistan.

"Congratulation to all Pakistanis on Pakistan Day," Serdar Dogan, the visiting Soloturk pilot, said when his jet arrived near the parade ground.

The large crowd warmly welcomed the pilot and chanted slogans praising the friendship between Turkey and Pakistan when the Turkish jet took to the skies.

President Arif Alvi, Premier Imran Khan, visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and the Pakistan armed forces’ services chiefs watched and praised the Turkish pilot’s performance.

"I really enjoyed today's event and I’m especially thankful to the Turkish nation, government, and their air forces who participated in our celebrations today," Zahid Shah, a young student from Peshawar, told Anadolu Agency.

"Today I’m feeling proud of the Pakistani and Turkish air forces, and there is no doubt that both countries have the world’s best pilots who can do anything," said Shazia Nasir, a resident of Islamabad.

Turkish F-16 demo and stunt team Soloturk was founded in 2011 in honor of the Turkish Air Forces' 100th anniversary.

At the Royal international Air Tattoo 2011 in Britain, Soloturk was awarded the King Hussein's Sword for the best overall flying demonstration among 29 air demonstrations and was also selected the best solo display team in Air Show Season in England in 2013.

Besides Turkey and Saudi Arabia, the pride of Pakistan, the JF-17 Thunder, also performed in the airshow.