ANKARA: 23 March 2014: Pakistan Embassy in Ankara commemorated “Pakistan National Day” at a ceremony here today. The Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shaukat unfurled the Pakistan flag on the tune of National Anthem in presence of the Pakistani community, Pakistani students studying in Turkish Universities and Embassy officials. The Ambassador read out messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The President of Pakistan Mr. Mamnoon Hussain in his message stated that Pakistan Day reminds us about the unparalleled democratic struggle by our ancestors which was aimed at providing the Muslims of the sub-continent a place where they could develop to the fullest spiritual, cultural, economic, social and political life in a way that they thought best and in consonance with their own ideals and genius. He urged the Pakistani nation to always hold high the banners of democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law through which this state was created.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in his message said that “March 23” is a milestone in the history of Pakistan when the Muslims of the Indian sub-continent passed the historic Lahore Resolution in the 27th annual meeting of All-India Muslim League. This Resolution gave a clear objective to the Muslims and united them for the attainment of a shared goal. Our elders sacrificed their present for the sake of preserving our future. Today, we remember our forefathers and pay our gratitude to them for making extraordinary sacrifices to give us an identity. The sacrifices laid down by the founding fathers of the country demand that every effort should be made for achieving the objectives of Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, said the Prime Minister.
The Premier said Pakistan is passing through a critical stage in the history; however, the resilient nation has braved the daunting challenges with the spirit of one nation. Our government is committed to preserve our great cultural heritage and national identity and to making our earnest efforts for bringing about economic and social revival in Pakistan, he added.
Ambassador Haroon Shaukat in his brief speech said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is keen to further boost relations with Turkey in all fields. He said Turkish entrepreneurs have shown keen interest in initiating large-scale projects in the energy, infrastructure development, municipal services and agro-based industry in Pakistan. He said members of the Pakistani community and students are also the Ambassadors of their country and urged them to continue playing their active role in bringing Turkey and Pakistan further closer.
On the 24th March, the Ambassador will host a Pakistan Day reception where the Turkish leadership, parliamentarians, civil society, media and members of Pakistan community are invited to participate. Pakistan Food Festival shall also commence simultaneously where executive chefs invited specially from Pakistan’s leading hotel chain will prepare food for guests at Ankara’s leading hotel. Pakistan Food Festival shall continue for one week.