Pakistan Embassy Ankara on Sunday organized an event to mark the Defence Day of Pakistan. Due to measures in place to control the spread of COVID-19, officials of the Pakistan Embassy, their families and Turkish media representatives attended the event.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey, H.E. Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, highlighted the significance of the Defence Day. Noting that 6 September holds a significant place in the history of Pakistan, for it was on this day in 1965, he recalled that our valiant Armed Forces and the entire nation stood united to thwart the nefarious design of the adversary, who had dared cast an evil eye on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our beloved homeland.

“We pay homage to our Shuhada and Ghazis who stood steadfast in the face of heavy odds to defeat an adversary which had numerical and technological advantage,” said Ambassador Qazi. “It is a day which marks the resolute will and determination of the Armed Forces and people of our country to ensure and impregnable defence and a strong and prosperous Pakistan.” Ambassador Syrus Qazi underlined the importance of the spirit of 1965, which was the need of hour to meet all challenges faced by Pakistan.

Earlier, Acting Defence Attaché, Capt (PN) Mazhar Bashir, read out messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, who paid glowing tributes to Pakistan Armed Forces and the resilient Pakistani nation for their immense sacrifices. While referring to the growing Indian atrocities in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Pakistani leadership in their messages reaffirmed the pledge to continue to support the people of IIOJK in their struggle till the realization of their right to self-determination in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.