News
Turkey marks ‘Martyrs’ Day’
ISLAMABAD: March 18 is ‘Martyrs’ Day’ in Turkey to commemorate all Turkish martyrs. The day marked the 100th anniversary of the naval battle at Canakkale (Dardanelles) in 1915, during the First World War.
The Turkish Embassy this year commemorated this event in Pakistan together with its Pakistani brothers and sisters to acknowledge the sacrifices of the Muslims of the sub-continent (who later founded Pakistan) many of whom fought this war along side their Turkish brethren against the foreign occupiers in the wars between 1911-1923.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Rashad Mahmood, graced the ceremony with his presence as Chief Guest and addressed the audience. He underlined the importance that Pakistan attaches to Turkey, including its military to military relations.
Chairman, Senate Standing Committee on Defence, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, addressing the audience as Guest of Honour, informed about the assistance of Pakistan to the Muslim World in general.
Ambassador of Turkey, S. Babur Girgin, in his introductory remarks highlighted the importance of the occasion and paid rich tribute to the Turkish and Pakistani martyrs who fought alongside each other. Air Marshal Rashid Kamal represented the Air Forces of Pakistan whereas Rear Admiral Fayyaz Gillani, represented Pakistan Navy on this occasion.
Pervez Malik, Member of National Assembly and Convener, Pakistan Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Group also graced the occasion. Senior government officers, vice chancellors, retired armed forces and civil servants and other academicians were prominent among the audience.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk