Ankara : The 78th Independence Day of Pakistan was celebrated today in Ankara with traditional zeal and fervor. Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkiye, Dr. Yousaf Junaid hoisted the national flag to the tune of national anthem in the presence of the guests from all spheres of life.
Messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion. Pakistani leadership in their messages paid tribute to the sacrifices of ancestors and vowed to transform Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Pakistani leadership also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir who have been denied their fundamental right to self-determination and reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, moral and diplomatic support for Kashmir’s legitimate right to self-determination.
While congratulating the nation, particularly Pakistani community in Turkiye, Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Juanid stated that being a thriving nation of over 240 million people, Pakistanis have shown their brilliance in every walk of life from science to sports, from business to humanitarian services – Pakistanis have made their mark in every field. He highlighted that Arshad Nadeem’s historic victory in javelin throw at the Paris Olympics for Pakistan exemplifies the abundant natural resources and human talent that Pakistan possesses. His triumph serves as a testament to the limitless potential that can be harnessed with hard work and dedication. He emphasized that today, we should promise ourselves to continue to work with full dedication, devotion and commitment for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
While appreciating the contribution made by Pakistani diaspora in Turkiye’s development, ambassador Junaid stated that brotherly Turkiye’s progress is Pakistan’s progress and vice versa. The real strength of a bilateral relationship is people-to-people contacts and diaspora being the real representatives of Pakistan, should continue playing their role in further deepening of the exemplary Pakistan Turkiye friendship.
Reiterating Pakistan’s political, diplomatic and moral support for the legitimate right to self-determination of Kashmiris, ambassador Junaid emphasized on the peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute as per wishes of the Kashmiri people and United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The Ambassador thanked the Turkish nation and leadership for sending congratulatory messages and sharing the joy of Pakistan’s Independence Day by lighting Turkish landmarks in the colours of Pakistani flag. This evening, Ankara’s landmark, ‘Atakule’, the tallest tower and best lit building, will showcase the messages of Pakistan-Turkiye brotherhood and solidarity. Atakule is situated on Jinnah Avenue just opposite to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s monument. Moreover, bridges in Istanbul on the Bosporus linking Asia with Europe will be illuminated in Pakistan’s flag colours.