ANKARA: 23 March 2019: The National Day of Pakistan was celebrated in Ankara at an impressive ceremony at Pakistan House Ankara today. The Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey, Mr. Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, raised the Pakistan flag to the tune of the National Anthem.
A large number of Turkish dignitaries, members of Pakistani community, Pakistani students studying in Turkish Universities and Embassy officials and their families attended the ceremony.
The messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion. Students of Pakistan Embassy School (PEISG) in Ankara presented national songs. Flanked by Pakistan children, Ambassador Syrus Qazi and his spouse Mrs. Shaza Syrus cut a cake to mark Pakistan Day.
Ambassador Syrus Qazi, in his welcome address said on 23rd March 1940, the Muslims of the sub-continent, through their collective will and indomitable spirit, expressed unshakable resolve to carve out a separate homeland for themselves wherein they could fashion their lives in accordance with their own traditions, values and culture. Ambassador Qazi said Pakistan is a resilient country and it went through stressful times only to emerge victorious, due to the impeccable decision making powers of its leadership and strong will of its people. He said through our collective efforts marked by patriotism, sincerity, commitment and honesty, the people of Pakistan would steer the country towards greater prosperity and glory. Ambassador also thanked the people and leadership of Turkey for standing beside Pakistan during challenging of times. He remarked that Pakistan and Turkey enjoy a relationship that has no parallels.
Earlier in the day, aerial acrobatic team “Solo Türk” participated in the fly-past ceremony during “Pakistan Day” parade in Islamabad. In Turkey, “15 July Martyrs Bridge” in Istanbul on the Bosporus linking Asia with Europe would be illuminated in Pakistan flag colours this evening. Moreover, “Atakule,” one of Ankara’s landmarks and its tallest tower is showing messages of Pakistan-Turkey solidarity during the nights on 21, 22 and 23 March. Atakule is situated on Jinnah Road that also has Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s monument right opposite to Atakule.
Ambassador Syrus Qazi and Pakistan’s Honorary Consul General in Bursa Mr. Murat Tarman jointly inaugurated a photographic exhibition “Colours of Pakistan” at Atakule Shopping Center Ankara. The 3-day exhibition depicts Pakistan’s culture, landscapes and people.
Meanwhile, President of Pakistan has conferred Pakistan’s prestigious civil award “Hilal-i-Pakistan” upon Mr. Ismail Kahraman, leading politician and former Speaker of the Turkish Parliament. The President also conferred “Hilal-e-Imtiaz” upon Prof. Dr. Recep Akdağ, Turkish politician and former Health Minister. The awards were conferred upon the Turkish dignitaries for their services for further promoting Pakistan-Turkey relations.
More photographs from link https://goo.gl/41pA3N