In Ankara, Pakistan’s Defence and Martyrs Day was observed at the Pakistani Embassy with senior Turkish officials, military leaders, diplomats and members of the Pakistani community gathering to honor the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and reaffirm bilateral defence ties between Pakistan and Türkiye.
The ceremony drew a distinguished audience, including Türkiye’s Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler as chief guest, members of parliament, senior Turkish military commanders and defence officials, the heads of political parties, former industry leaders, ambassadors and defence and military attachés, as well as media and Pakistani expatriates based in Türkiye.
In his keynote address, Minister Yaşar Güler praised the deep, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, particularly highlighting defence and strategic cooperation. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, expressed Türkiye’s solidarity with Pakistan on core issues, and reiterated Ankara’s commitment to expanding defence collaboration through joint production, training and counter-terrorism efforts. The minister also conveyed condolences for the losses suffered in recent floods in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Dr. Yousaf Junaid, underscored the significance of the day as a symbol of national unity and the bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces. He recalled the 1965 conflict as an example of Pakistan’s resolve to defend its territory and reiterated the nation’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty.
Ambassador Junaid referred to Pakistan’s recent operation, Marka-e-Haq, which Islamabad has described as a precise response to Indian aggression, saying the campaign demonstrated Pakistan’s capability, readiness and resolve. He praised the armed forces’ professionalism, noting their restraint, precision and strength while emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to peace alongside defence of sovereignty.
Speaking on regional security, Ambassador Junaid said durable peace in South Asia depends on the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He also thanked Turkish leadership and the people of Türkiye for their continued support for Pakistan and the Kashmiri cause, and welcomed the growing Pakistan–Türkiye strategic partnership, especially in defence cooperation and people-to-people contacts.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of national resolve to honor those who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan and to continue strengthening ties with partner countries in defence and security.
