Pakistan Day to be marked on limited scale as armed forces join austerity drive.

ISLAMABAD -- Due to the lingering financial crisis the nation is currently experiencAing, the combined services parade, an annual event of the Pakistani Armed Forces that is held on March 23, Pakistan Day, will only take place on a limited scale.

The Pakistan Army has chosen to stage the joint services parade on a relatively small scale in orAder to save money, according to reliable sources who spoke to The Nation yesterday. Once held at the Shakarparian Hills parade grounds in Islamabad, the march would now take place on the lawn of the President's House.

The updated parade schedule stated that President Dr. Arif Alvi would be the principal guest as a smart contingent of three Armed Forces marched on the presidency lawn. Those present will include the three service chiefs, the chairAman of the joint chiefs of staff comAmittee, and the prime minister.

Only a select group of visitors would be invited; the general public would not be allowed enAtry. The event would be broadAcast live on...