Pakistan Embassy in Ankara Hosts Grand Reception to Mark 78th Independence Day

Event at Pakistan House celebrates national

pride, Pakistan–Turkiye friendship

and solidarity on Kashmir issue

Shabana Ayaz

Ankara: The Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara celebrated the 78th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence Day with a grand reception at Pakistan House, attended by members of the Pakistani community in Turkiye, prominent Turkish dignitaries, and friends of Pakistan. The event showcased national pride, rich cultural heritage, and the enduring brotherly bond between Pakistan and Turkiye.

Guests were greeted with traditional Pakistani warmth, enjoying cultural displays, authentic Pakistani cuisine, and stirring renditions of national songs, creating a festive and patriotic atmosphere.

Among the notable attendees was Mr. Burhan Kayaturk, former Chairperson of the Pakistan–Turkiye Parliamentary Friendship Group and Member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. He extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Pakistan, recalling his student life in the country and praising the historical and spiritual ties between the two nations, calling them “a divine blessing.” He reaffirmed Turkiye’s unwavering support for Pakistan and expressed optimism for a future built on mutual respect and cooperation.

In his address, Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkiye, Dr. Yousaf Junaid, commended the Pakistani diaspora for promoting Pakistan’s image abroad and strengthening people-to-people connections. Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the founding fathers, he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity. He also highlighted the country’s recent successes in Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, describing them as moments that have revived the spirit of the Pakistan Movement and reaffirmed the Two-Nation Theory.

On the Kashmir issue, Dr. Junaid reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance and pledged continued political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for self-determination. The evening concluded with prayers for Pakistan’s peace, progress, and prosperity.