The parade had been moved from March 23 to March 25.

The authorities have cited bad weather as the reason for cancelling the parade. Islamabad received heavy rainfall on March 24 which was expected to continue on to the next day.

The parade had already been diminished from its usual splendour due to the prevailing economic conditions in the country. The ceremony had been changed from a large scale event in Islamabad’s parade ground in Shakarparian to a smaller ceremony in Prime Minister House.