Defence And Martyrs Day Commemorated In Ankara

Press Release

Ankara, 6th September 2023

Defence And Martyrs Day Commemorated In Ankara

Pakistan’s Defence and Martyrs Day was commemorated in Ankara with enthusiasm and patriotism, paying tribute and homage to the indomitable courage of the armed forces and martyrs who sacrificed their lives in successfully defending the motherland, when Indian forces crossed the international borders with full might in 1965. Turkish Minister of Trade H.E Prof. Dr Omer Bolat graced the occasion as chief guest and Commander Turkish General Staff (TGS) General Metin Gurak as guest of honour.

Highlighting the significance of September 6th, at Defence Day reception hosted at Pakistan House, ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid stated that the 16-day war, left a lesson that peace-loving, brave and self-respecting nations, determined to sacrifice lives for their country could not be defeated by force and belligerence. Over the last 76 years, three major wars, several skirmishes and numerous rounds of unprovoked clashes have been imposed on Pakistan. India continues its illegal and immoral military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and deny the right of self-determination to Kashmiris against every norm of international law and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, ambassador added.

Ambassador Junaid reiterated that Pakistan is committed to regional peace and security and has contributed significantly in global campaigns against terrorism and peace-keeping missions all over the world. The ambassador stated that Pakistan believes in a constructive engagement, resolving issues through dialogue and peaceful co-existence and thanked the Turkish nation for standing with Pakistan and Pakistani people through thick and thin.

In his remarks, Turkish Minister of Trade H.E Prof. Dr Omer Bolat appreciated exemplary and historic bilateral relations, in particular flourishing defence ties and excellent cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries. He underscored that strategic and comprehensive Pakistan Turkiye bilateral relations are an important factor towards promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond.

While highlighting strategic Pakistan Turkiye partnership, Commander Turkish General Staff (TGS), General Metun Gurak paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs and valour of Pakistan Armed Forces.

The nation commemorates Defence Day on 6th September each year to honour the sacrifices of Pakistan’s valiant armed forces, the professionalism, dedication and devotion with which they have served the nation. The 1965 war stands out in Pakistani history as a symbol of unwavering national resolve, courage, strong will and unmatched spirit of sacrifice.

High-ranking Turkish civil and military officials, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, defence & military Attaches, media persons and members of Pakistani community attended the reception.

***(22/2023)***

in 2023

# Defence Day

Pakistan Embassy Celebrates 76th Independence Day Anniversary with Traditional Zeal and Fervor

January 5, 2024

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DR. ARIF ALVI ON THE OCCASION OF THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION DAY

Every year, on the 5th of January, we renew our support for the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. On this day in 1949, the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) unanimously adopted a resolution affirming the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations.

The right to self-determination is a cardinal principle of international law, upheld in numerous core United Nations Treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. For decades, it has been reaffirmed by the UN General Assembly in its annual resolution on self-determination. However, the last 76 years of India’s occupation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) are a sad story of repression of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

India is trying to consolidate its occupation of IIOJK. The Indian Supreme Court’s judgement of 11 December 2023 on the status of this disputed territory is the latest step in this direction. India is trying to subjugate the Kashmiris through such oppressive tactics further. It continues to deny their inalienable right to self-determination and live with freedom and dignity.

Today’s commemoration is aimed at reminding the international community of its responsibility towards the oppressed Kashmiri people. The United Nations must honour the commitments that it made 75 years ago and support the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination.

Pakistan remains determined to play its role in supporting the right to self-determination of Kashmiris through a free and impartial plebiscite as per the United Nations Security Council resolutions. Our strong and steadfast moral, political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people will continue till the realisation of this inalienable right.

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The Embassy of

Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Ankara, Türkiye