The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Ankara hosted a grand reception at Pakistan House on the evening of 13 August 2026 to celebrate the 79th Independence anniversary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The ceremony was graced by H.E. Cevdet Y?lmaz, Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, as the Chief Guest. The event brought together senior Turkish government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, academics, business leaders, media representatives, and members of the Pakistani community in Türkiye.
Among the distinguished guests were H.E. Ya?ar Güler, Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Türkiye; General Selçuk Bayraktaro?lu, Chief of the General Staff; Admiral Ercüment Tatl?o?lu, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces; General Metin Tokel, Commander of the Turkish Land Forces; General Ziya Cemal Kad?o?lu, Commander of the Turkish Air Forces; H.E. A. Berris Ekinci, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Hac? Ali Özel, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Mustafa Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade; H.E. Bülent Ar?nç, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Türkiye; H.E. Derya Yan?k, Former Minister of Family and Social Services; H.E. Efkan Ala, First Deputy Chairman of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party); H.E. ?rfan Neziro?lu, Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan; H.E. Hulusi Akar, Chair of the Parliamentary Commission on National Defence and Member of Parliament for Kayseri; H.E. Burhan Kayatürk, Member of Parliament for Van; H.E. Mustafa Demir, Member of Parliament for Istanbul; H.E. Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, Director General of SESRIC; Mr. Ömer Cihad Vardan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TUSA?; Prof. Dr. Murat Yalç?nta?, General Manager of OYAK; and Prof. Dr. Mustafa ?lba?, Chairman of the Board of AFAD, along with numerous ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions.
The formal proceedings commenced with the recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by the national anthems of Pakistan and Türkiye. Students of the Pakistan Embassy International Study Group School presented a colourful cultural performance featuring patriotic songs and dances. Guests also viewed a documentary showcasing Pakistan’s rich history, cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, tourism potential, and socio-economic progress.
In his welcome address, H.E. Dr. Yousaf Junaid, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Republic of Türkiye, paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and honoured the immense sacrifices made by the founding generation in securing an independent homeland for the Muslims of South Asia. He observed that Pakistan’s freedom was achieved through extraordinary courage, perseverance, and sacrifice, and called upon Pakistanis to remain united in their commitment to national progress and prosperity.
Highlighting Pakistan–Türkiye relations, the Ambassador underscored the enduring fraternal ties between the two countries, founded on shared history, common values, and mutual trust. He noted that this unique partnership continues to expand across a wide range of fields, including defence, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, reflecting the shared vision of the leadership and peoples of both countries.
In his keynote address, H.E. Cevdet Y?lmaz, Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an and the people of Türkiye to the Government and people of Pakistan on the occasion of their Independence Day. Recalling the historic solidarity shown by the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent during the Turkish War of Independence, he stated that Türkiye–Pakistan relations transcend conventional diplomacy and are rooted in an exceptional bond of brotherhood. The Vice President reaffirmed Türkiye’s unwavering commitment to further deepen bilateral cooperation between the two countries, as well as to support joint efforts promote regional peace and stability, and further strengthen strategic cooperation, including trilateral collaboration among Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.
Following the addresses, the Chief Guest and other dignitaries had a commemorative group photograph. The Chief Guest then inaugurated a special photo exhibition organized by the Embassy to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, showcasing the life, vision, leadership, and enduring legacy of the Founder of Pakistan.
The celebration concluded with a reception in the gardens of Pakistan House, where guests enjoyed a rich selection of traditional Pakistani cuisine in a warm and festive atmosphere, reflecting Pakistan’s renowned hospitality and vibrant cultural heritage.
