Turkish, Azerbaijani contingents attend Independence Day parade in Pakistan

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Thousands rose to their feet when a contingent of Turkish armed forces paraded at an Independence Day ceremony in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Wednesday evening.

The ceremony attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, army chief Gen. Asim Munir and others, was held ahead of the country's 79th Independence Day to be celebrated on Thursday.

"Pakistan and Turkish armed forces are the beacon stability and cooperation in the region," the commentator said as the Turkish soldiers marched past the stage followed by a military army band.

Zardari, who is also the commander-in- chief of Pakistan's armed forces, took the salute from the Turkish armed forces contingent, with his palm placed on his chest as mark of respect.

Apart from Turkiye, Azerbaijan was another country whose armed forces featured in the parade.

Earlier, branches of Pakistan armed forces paraded in the event, followed by a fly-past by fighter jets, deploying flares across the night sky.

This is the first Independence Day after a four-day armed conflict between Pakistan and India in May.

This year, the South Asian nuclear country is celebrating its Independence Day under the theme "Marka-e-Haq" (battle for righteousness), highlighting its "steadfast resolve, sacrifices, and unity."

Several ceremonies are being held across the country to celebrate Pakistan's "victory" in the recent conflict, adding additional fervor to this year's celebrations.