Pakistan Defence Day reception held at Pakistan Embassy Ankara

Ankara (Web Desk): The Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara organised a reception to observe Defence and Martyrs’ Day, with Turkiye’s Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler attending the ceremony as the chief guest.

A large number of senior Turkish officials and military commanders participated in the event. Those in attendance included Commander of the Turkish General Staff General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, Turkish Land Forces Commander General Metin Tokel, Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu and Air Force Commander General Rafet Dalkiran. Former Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Recep Akdag, Deputy Foreign Minister Haci Ali Ozel, D-8 Secretary General Sohail Mahmood, military attaches, senior Turkish dignitaries, members of the Pakistani community and other prominent guests were also present, according to a press release issued on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye Dr Yousaf Junaid honoured the country’s martyrs and recalled the determination, bravery and solidarity shown by the Pakistani people and armed forces in times of national challenge.

He highlighted the valuable role played by Pakistani personnel in defending the country, assisting communities during disasters and contributing to United Nations peacekeeping missions. The ambassador said these efforts reflected Pakistan’s continued dedication to peace and international stability.

Dr Junaid also drew attention to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, describing it as an unresolved legacy of the partition of the subcontinent and pointing out that the matter continues to remain before the United Nations Security Council.

He reiterated Pakistan’s call for a peaceful resolution of the dispute based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in accordance with the freely expressed aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The reception also featured the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of Pakistan and Türkiye. Students from the Pakistan Embassy International Study Group (PEISG) presented performances, while video presentations were screened to highlight the historical and national significance of Defence and Martyrs’ Day.

Defence and Air Attache Air Commodore Muhammad Asif Bhatti, in his remarks, paid homage to the Pakistani nation and armed forces for their courage and sacrifices during the defence of Pakistan on September 6, 1965.

He reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to maintaining peace but stressed that the country remained determined to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests in the region.

Turkiye’s Defence Minister Yasar Guler congratulated the people of Pakistan on Defence and Martyrs’ Day and expressed his respect for the country’s martyrs and veterans.

Guler also spoke about the longstanding historical relationship between Türkiye and Pakistan, describing the two countries as bound by strong ties of brotherhood. He referred to Pakistan as a strategic partner and highlighted the steady expansion of cooperation between Ankara and Islamabad, particularly in the areas of defence and security.

The Turkish minister further described the Makkah Defence Alliance between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as an important and historic development, saying it could pave the way for deeper strategic coordination, stronger collective deterrence and greater stability across the region.