The 75th Independence Day of Pakistan was celebrated today in Ankara with traditional zeal and enthusiasm. Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkiye, Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, hoisted the national flag to the tune of the national anthem in the presence of the Turkish dignitaries, Pakistani community and media.

Messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on occasion. Pakistani leadership, in their messages, paid tribute to the sacrifices of ancestors and vowed to transform Pakistan following the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Pakistani leadership also solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, who have been facing military siege for the past three years, and reassured Pakistan’s political, moral and diplomatic support for their legitimate right to self-determination.

On occasion, Ambassador Syrus Qazi felicitated the nation, particularly the Pakistani community in Turkiye, on the 75th anniversary of the independence. It is a day to reiterate the firm resolve to uphold our national values of unity, faith and discipline as envisioned by our Quaid and renew our commitment to the objectives of the creation of Pakistan. Ambassador Qazi stated that fourteenth August reminds us of the epic democratic struggle of our ancestors for securing a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-Continent where they could live their lives according to their own will.

The ambassador also thanked the Turkish leadership and people for congratulatory messages and for participating in the Pakistan Independence Day celebrations.

On the eve of Pakistan Independence Day, Ankara’s landmark, ‘Atakule’, the tallest tower and best-lit building, will showcase messages of Pakistan-Turkey brotherhood and solidarity. Atakule is situated on Jinnah Avenue, just opposite Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s monument.  Moreover, bridges in Istanbul on the Bosporus linking Asia with Europe will be illuminated in Pakistan’s flag colours this evening.