ANKARA: 23 March 2012:   Pakistan Embassy in Ankara commemorated “Pakistan Day” at a ceremony here today. The Ambassador of Pakist an Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shaukat unfurled the Pakistan flag on the tune of National Anthem in presence of the Pakistani community and Embassy officials.  The Ambassador read out messages of President and Prime Minister.

The President in his message stated that it is reassuring that the Parliament of Pakistan has successfully removed the vestiges of dictatorship and restored the democratic Constitution of Pakistan. He urged the Pakistanis to resolve that they will not permit any dictator to usurp the basic fundamental rights of our people nor allow them to trample on our democratic aspirations. This requires that we work in the spirit of tolerance, mutual accommodation and respect for dissent.

The Prime Minister in his message said March 23 is a landmark day in the history of Pakistan when the Muslims of the subcontinent adopted the historic Lahore Resolution demanding a separate homeland for Muslims. Though Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, poet-philosopher, gave an idea for the establishment of a separate homeland in 1930, it was later on through the tireless efforts of Muhammad Ali Jinnah that the dream of Iqbal was realized. Mr. Gilani in his message said the present democratic government is committed to preserving our cultural heritage, distinct political and civilization identity in the light of the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.

In the evening, the Embassy will host a reception where the Turkish leadership, parliamentarians, civil society, media and members of Pakistan community are invited to participate. Coinciding with national day celebrations, Pakistan Embassy is organizing Pakistan Cultural Week (23-30 March at Ankara, 3^rd April at Istanbul) that includes programmes such as fashion show, food festival, qawali performance, truck art, painting competition for children, photo exhibition, etc.

ENDS