F.P Report
ISLAMABAD: The National Day of Pakistan was marked in Turkey at an impressive ceremony at Pakistan Embassy in Ankara on Tuesday.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey, Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, raised the Pakistan flag to the tune of the National Anthem in the presence of the Embassy officials and media.
Messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.
Ambassador Syrus Qazi in his remarks stated that 23 March was an important milestone in the heroic struggle of the Muslims of South Asia when our forefathers made the historic decision to have a separate homeland.
Seven years after the Pakistan Resolution of 23 March 1940 was adopted, Pakistan became an independent and sovereign state under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The Ambassador expressed gratitude to Turkey for sending Turkish band ‘Mehter’ (Ottoman Janissary Band) as well as aerial aerobatic team “Solo Turk,” that will participate in the Pakistan Day celebrations on March 25. Both these team had won the hearts of all Pakistanis through its unique performance in the past.
In Turkey, “Atakule,” one of Ankara’s landmarks, its tallest tower and best lit building, was showing messages of Pakistan-Turkey solidarity during the nights on March 22 and 23.
Atakule is situated on Jinnah Road that also had Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s monument right opposite to it. Moreover, all the three bridges in Istanbul on the Bosporus linking Asia with Europe was illuminated in Pakistan flag colours on Tuesday evening.
Ambassador Syrus Qazi and Mayor of Keçiören Municipality of Ankara Turgut Altinok jointly unveiled the plaque of a renovated memorial forest for 2014 APS Peshawar terrorist attack victims. It may be recalled that as a show of solidarity with the people of Pakistan after the 16 December 2014 heinous terrorist attack, Keçiören Municipality and Youth Wing members of the Justice and Development (AK) Party planted 144 trees, one for each shaheed, at the AK Party Memorial Forest in Keçiören, Ankara.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Day was observed with patriotic zeal and spirit at the Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi, on Tuesday.
Charge d’Affairs Aftab Hasan Khan hoisted the country’s flag at a ceremony held at Chancery’s lawns.
In his remarks on the occasion, the Charge d’Affairs said every year on this day, the Pakistani nation renewed its resolve to make the country a modern Islamic and democratic welfare state in light of the guiding principles of Quaid Muhamamd Ali Jinnah. He said on 23rd March 1940, the Muslims of India under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah made a resolve to make a separate home land for themselves.
He said for larger interest of the region, the peace within South Asia was vital. He said Pakistan wanted to have friendly relations with all countries including India.
To achieve peace between Pakistan and India, he said, both countries should resolve all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir through dialogue.
He stressed the importance of successive generation to contribute its part with honesty, hard work and dedication toward the realization of the Quaid’s vision.
Press Attache Khawaja Maaz Tariq read out the messages of President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan. The students of Pakistan High Commission School presented national songs and tablets on the occasion.
Wife of Charges d’Affaires Erum Aftab gave away prizes and gifts to the teachers and students of the school. Keeping in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the ceremony was held with limited participation.
