Pakistan Embassy in Ankara holds Defense Day reception

The Pakistani Embassy in Ankara hosted a reception on Friday to mark Pakistan’s Defense and Martyrs’ Day, bringing together senior Turkish military and government officials, diplomats and members of the Pakistani community.

Türkiye’s National Defense Minister Yasar Guler attended the event as chief guest.

Among those present were Chief of the Turkish General Staff Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, Land Forces Commander Gen. Metin Tokel, Naval Forces Commander Adm. Ercument Tatlioglu and Air Forces Commander Gen. Rafet Dalkiran.

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Recep Akdag, Deputy Foreign Minister Haci Ali Ozel, D-8 Secretary-General Sohail Mahmood, military attachés, senior Turkish officials and members of the Pakistani community also attended.

The ceremony included a recitation from the Holy Quran, the national anthems of Pakistan and Türkiye, performances by students of the Pakistan Embassy International Study Group and video presentations on the significance of Defense and Martyrs’ Day.

Pakistan’s Defense and Air Attaché Air Commodore Muhammad Asif Bhatti paid tribute to the Pakistani nation and armed forces for their courage and sacrifices during the 1965 war with India.

Bhatti said Pakistan remained committed to peace while maintaining its determination to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and regional security.

Pakistani Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid also paid tribute to the country’s martyrs and highlighted the role of Pakistani personnel in national defense, disaster relief and UN peacekeeping operations.

Junaid said Pakistan remained committed to peace, and reiterated Islamabad’s position on the Kashmir dispute, calling it an unresolved issue dating back to the 1947 Partition of the subcontinent.

He said Pakistan supported a peaceful settlement in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the reception, Guler congratulated Pakistan on Defense and Martyrs’ Day and paid tribute to the country’s martyrs and veterans.

He underlined the longstanding historical ties between Türkiye and Pakistan, describing Pakistan as a strategic partner and pointing to expanding bilateral cooperation in defense and security.

Guler also described the Makkah Alliance involving Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as a historic step toward stronger strategic cooperation, collective deterrence and regional stability.

The reception concluded with a group photograph, followed by Pakistani cuisine and refreshments at the Pakistan Embassy residence.