Independence Day of Pakistan celebrated in Ankara

Ankara: The 68^th Independence Day of Pakistan was commemorated at Pakistan Embassy Ankara today. The Ambassador of Pakistan H.E. Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shaukat unfurled the national flag on the tune of national anthem in presence of the Pakistani community, students and Embassy officials.

Students of Pakistan Embassy School (PEISG) in Ankara performed and sung national anthem and patriotic songs. Ambassador Haroon Shaukat read out messages of the President and the Prime Minister on the occasion.

The President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain in his message said that the people of Pakistan have achieved significant milestones in their journey towards a democratic, prosperous and progressive nation. He said a state created through democratic means is being governed today by a democratically elected government. He urged the nation to continue to uphold the banners of democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law and to follow the principles of Unity, Faith & Discipline.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in his message said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned Pakistan to be democratic, moderate and progressive, governed by the rule of law and guaranteeing equal rights to all its citizens. He pledged to build Pakistan according to Quaid’s vision. He said operation Zarb-e-Azb is not simply a campaign to restore the state’s writ in North Waziristan, but a battle for the soul of Pakistan. He urged Pakistanis to stand behind the gallant Pakistan armed forces by showing unflinching resolve and demonstrating absolute unity among their ranks.

Ambassador Haroon Shaukat later on briefed the Pakistani community about recent developments in Pakistan-Turkey relations. He said Pakistani leadership has a strong desire to forge an enduring strategic partnership with Turkey. He also congratulated the Turkish nation on conducting the recent elections for the new President and hoped that Pakistan-Turkey relations shall touch new heights under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President-elect Recep Tayyip Erdogan.