Pakistan’s Embassy in Ankara marks republic day

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) – Pakistan’s Embassy in Ankara marked the country’s republic day on Wednesday.

Pakistan’s Ambassador Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi hoisted the national flag as the country’s national anthem played in background.

The ambassador said that it is a "great privilege" to celebrate and commemorate the republic day in the brotherly country of Turkiye.

He added that they pray for the success, unity, strength, and prosperity of their country and vowed to take action to achieve these goals.

The message of Prime Minister Imran Khan was also read out at the ceremony. Khan said March 23 is the day to renew their commitment to justice and equity.

Stressing Pakistan went through a long democratic struggle, he said the key to his country’s stability and development lies in hard work, honesty, and morality.

“On this day, it is pertinent to reflect upon the challenges confronting us as a nation. Our government has brought in long-term reforms and initiatives to alleviate poverty and promote justice," he said, adding that they provide equal opportunities to all segments of the society.

President Arif Alvi also sent a message paying homage to the founding fathers of the nation.

“The day will not be far away when Pakistan will become an economically strong and prosperous country. We need to stand united and collectively work for the unity and social-economic development of the country…,” he added.

The day commemorates the Pakistan Resolution on March 23, 1940, at a summit of Muslim leaders in Lahore city in which the subcontinent's Muslim leaders set the agenda for a separate homeland for Muslims.

Seven years after the Pakistan Resolution was adopted, Pakistan became an independent and sovereign state on August 14, 1947, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah's leadership, popular as Quaid-e-Azam or the great leader.

On March 23, 1956, the country also adopted its first constitution, making Pakistan the world's first Islamic republic.