ANKARA: 23 March 2013: Pakistan Embassy in Ankara commemorated “Pakistan 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 TurkishUniversities and Embassy officials. The Ambassador read out messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The President in his message stated that Pakistan Day this year is a memorable day as the democratically elected Parliament and the government for the first time in history completed its constitutionally mandated term and the nation is poised for a democratic transition. He said it is a watershed mark and a giant leap forward in the nation’s quest for democracy, federalism and constitutionalism for which Pakistan was created.
Seventy three years ago on this day the Muslims of the subcontinent resolved to achieve a separate homeland for themselves and then set out to actually achieve it within a short span of seven years. It is therefore an auspicious day as it symbolizes the expression of the collective will of the Muslims of the subcontinent and is a reminder of their unity of thought in search of their common destiny, he said.
The Prime Minister in his message said that Pakistan was created through a democratic struggle. He said we are celebrating our national day at a time when the country is heading towards parliamentary elections and the people remain eager and passionate for the conduct of fair, free and transparent polls in the country. This is what Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisaged. He wanted democracy to flourish in Pakistan and its fruits delivered to the people.
Ambassador Haroon Shaukat in his brief speech said that 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 25th 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. This year’s reception has an added significance as it would also mark the launching of Pakistan’s Cultural Year in Turkey. An exhibition of original paintings by leading Pakistani painters, display of Pakistani carpets, display of truck art of Pakistan, and Pakistan Food Festival shall also take place simultaneously on 25th March at the reception venue.
