ISLAMABAD: The joint military parade in the federal capital due for March 23, 2014 has been cancelled on 6th consecutive year due to security reason, sources in the ministry of defence told Dawn.com.
“The joint military parade has been cancelled due to security reason and deployment of troops at western borders engaged in the war against terrorism,” the defence source said.
Last parade which took place in Islamabad was on 23rd March 2008 and it was reviewed by Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf as a civilian president.
During the tenure of former president Asif Ali Zardari parade could not take place for a single time in five years, again due to security reasons.
Joint military parade used to be a regular event with display of military power and show of Pakistan’s folk and culture.
“We evaluated the security situation and availability of troops for this huge event, and consulted concerned security agencies which advised us not to go for this parade,” the top defence ministry official said.
In neighboring India, the parade has been taking place regularly amid extraordinary security.