The Pakistan military on Wednesday displayed its arsenal of short, medium and long-range missiles capable of delivering nuclear and other warheads, including the 2,000 km range Shaheen II missile, at a parade held in Islamabad after a gap of three years to mark the country's National Day.
Watched by the guest of honour, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, the parade began with a "welcome sortie" by Air Marshal Kaleem Sadat, who flew low in an F-16, acquired by Pakistan in the late 80s.
Musharraf added colour to the parade by arriving at the sprawling venue opposite the country's parliament in a British-style open, horse driven carriage. His mother Zarine, dressed in a silk saree, and son Bilal, who have just arrived from a week-long visit to India, were also present.
Sadat's F-16 sortie followed an acrobatic formation by Pakistan Air Force's new F-7 aircraft made in collaboration with China. The PAF also displayed its newly acquired Cobra helicopters from the United States.
For the last three years Pakistan had not been holding the customary military parade due to security fears.
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