Defence Day: Pakistan embassy in Turkey hosts reception

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Embassy in Ankara on Saturday hosted a reception to commemorate Pakistan’s Defence and Martyrs’ Day, with Türkiye’s Minister of National Defence Yasar Güler as the Chief Guest. The reception was attended by Commander of the Turkish General Staff, General Selçuk Bayraktaroglu, Commander of the Turkish Land Force General Metin Tokel, Commander of Turkish Naval Force Admiral Ercüment Tatlioglu and Commander of Turkish Air Force General Rafet Dalkiran, Former Deputy Prime Minister and health minister Recep Akdag, Deputy Foreign Minister Haci Ali Özel, Secretary General D-8 Sohail Mahmood, Military Attachés, senior Turkish dignitaries, members of the Pakistani community and other distinguished guests. Ambassador of Pakistan to Türkiye Dr Yousaf Junaid, in his address, paid tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs and recalled the courage, resilience and unity demonstrated by the Pakistani nation and Armed Forces. He highlighted the services and sacrifices of Pakistani personnel in national defence, disaster relief and United Nations peacekeeping operations, reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to peace. The Ambassador also noted that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remained the unfinished business of Partition and continued to be on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful settlement in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the freely expressed will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Minister Yasar Güler congratulated the people of Pakistan on Defence and Martyrs’ Day and paid tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs and veterans. He underscored the deep-rooted historical bonds and enduring brotherhood between Türkiye and Pakistan, describing Pakistan as a strategic partner. He highlighted growing bilateral cooperation in defence and security. Minister Güler also described the Makkah Defence Alliance between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as a historic step towards stronger strategic cooperation, collective deterrence and regional stability. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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