ANKARA: Pakistan Defense and Martyrs Day was observed in Turkey paying homage and tribute to the indomitable courage of the armed forces and martyrs who laid down their lives in the successful defense of the motherland against threats to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability of Pakistan.
Turkish Minister of Trade H.E. Prof. Dr. Omer Bolat graced the occasion as the chief guest and Turkish General Staff (TGS) Commander General Metin Gurak as the guest of honor. Other guests were the former Minister of the Interior Mr. Efkan Ala, MP Dr. Hasan Sert, Governor of Ankara Vasip Sahin, former chairman of SSB prof. Ismail Demir, Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Irfan Neziroglu, Deputy Minister of Trade Mustafa Tuzcu, Deputy Chief of TGS General Kemal Yeni, senior Turkish civil and military officials, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, defense and military attachés, media persons and members of the Pakistani community.
Turkish Minister of Trade H.E. Prof. Dr. Omer Bolat praised the exemplary and historic bilateral relations, especially the flourishing defense ties and excellent cooperation between the armed forces of Pakistan and Turkey. Referring to Ambassador Junaid as his special friend, Minister Bolat acknowledged his role in further strengthening bilateral ties and economic cooperation between the brotherly countries. Minister Bolat highlighted that trade volume between Pakistan and Turkey has increased by 42% in the first eight months of the year and both countries are committed to achieving the $5 billion trade target set by the leadership.
While emphasizing the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Turkey, the Chief of the Turkish General Staff (TGS), General Metin Gurak paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs and the valor of the Pakistan Armed Forces. According to him, mutual sharing of experience and expertise in the defense industry between Pakistan and Turkey will strengthen the defense of both countries. Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid opened his speech with prayers for the Turkish Gendarmerie soldiers who lost their lives in an on-duty accident in Tunceli.
Ambassador Dr. Highlighting the significance of September 6, Yusuf Junaid said that in the last 77 years, three major wars have been waged in Pakistan, apart from several skirmishes and numerous rounds of unprovoked clashes. Our perseverance has taught us that peaceful, brave and self-respecting peoples, determined to sacrifice their lives for their country, cannot be defeated by force and militancy. Ambassador Junaid reiterated that Pakistan believes in dialogue on conflict and cooperation in confrontation.
Unfortunately, the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute is hampering the pace of positive development in the region. Resolving the Kashmir dispute according to UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people is essential for regional peace and security, he added. The Ambassador thanked the Turkish nation for standing by Pakistan and Pakistan in everything. Messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Sahir Shamshad Mirza were read out on the occasion. The State of Pakistan celebrates Defense Day on 6th September every year to honor the sacrifices of the brave Pakistan Armed Forces, their professionalism, dedication and devotion with which they served the nation. The 1965 war stands out in Pakistan’s history as a symbol of unwavering national resolve, courage, strong will and a unique spirit of sacrifice.
