Pakistani Embassy in Türkiye celebrates 78th Independence Day of Pakistan

By Elif Tugtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Pakistani Embassy in Türkiye celebrated the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan on Wednesday with a series of events that emphasized unity, resilience and the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye.

The event commenced with the national anthems of both Türkiye and Pakistan followed by a performance by Pakistani singers who sang in Urdu.

The highlight of the event was an address by Ambassador Numan Aslan, who reflected on the historical significance of Pakistan’s independence in 1947 and the challenges the newly formed nation overcame under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Aslan underscored the progress Pakistan has made across various fields, including science, technology, art and culture. He emphasized the resilience of the Pakistani people in the face of natural disasters, economic challenges and social issues, calling this resilience a “testament to the spirit of the nation.”

The ambassador also expressed profound gratitude for Türkiye's unwavering support, describing the relationship between the two countries as "outstanding, excellent, historical and remarkable."

The celebration also featured remarks from the British Consul General in Türkiye, Kenan Poleo, who expressed his honor at participating in the event, highlighting the strong ties between the Pakistani community in the UK and Pakistan itself.

Additionally, Ali Erdogan, the deputy mayor of Bagcilar Municipality, praised the profound solidarity between Pakistan and Türkiye, predicting that their already robust relationship will continue to thrive.

“Despite not being neighboring countries, Türkiye and Pakistan share a strong historical and cultural bond forged through mutual support during critical times, such as during the Canakkale War and Turkish War of Independence.”

He added that “this brotherhood is symbolized by Kemal Atatürk Avenue in Islamabad and Muhammad Ali Jinnah Avenue in Ankara.”