March 18 is “Martyrs’ Day” in Turkey to commemorate all Turkish martyrs. The date March 18 is 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 alongside their Turkish brethren.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmood graced the ceremony with his presence as the Chief Guest and addressed the audience. He underlined the importance that Pakistan attaches to Turkey, including its military-to-military relations.
Senate Standing Committee on Defence Chairman Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, while addressing the audience as Guest of Honour, informed them about Pakistani assistance 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’s Navy on the occasion.
National Assembly Member and Convener Pervez Malik, who is a part of the Pakistan Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Group, also graced the occasion. Senior government officers, vice chancellors, retired armed forces, civil servants, and other academicians were present in the audience.
