By Adnan Hameed
TWA
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The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye celebrated the 102nd Victory Day with great fervor at a distinguished reception held on Friday. The event, hosted by Turkish Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Pacaci and Defence Attache Brig. General Umut Onol, brought together a large gathering of dignitaries, including senior diplomats, military officials, and elite members of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The reception was graced by the presence of Chief of the General Staff (CGS) of the General Headquarters (GHQ), Lieutenant General Avais Dastgir, who served as the chief guest. His attendance marked a rare appearance at diplomatic events, underscoring the importance of the occasion. Other notable guests included Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Salim Saifullah Khan, JUI Secretary General Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri, and Turkmenistan Ambassador Atadjan Movlamov, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
The celebration commenced with a cake-cutting ceremony led by the chief guest, Lieutenant General Avais Dastgir. Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Pacaci, in his address, quoted Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, emphasizing the enduring spirit of independence and resilience embodied in Türkiye’s Great Victory. He remarked, “With the great victory, the Turkish nation once again declared to the whole world that it would not accept captivity, that it would not let shackles be put on its will, and that it would never compromise on living independently in its own homeland.”
The Ambassador highlighted the significance of the 102nd anniversary of the Great Victory, a pivotal milestone in Turkish history. “Today, we are all celebrating the 102nd anniversary of the Great Victory with enthusiasm, excitement, and pride. On this important day, I congratulate the August 30 Victory Day of our beloved nation, our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters, and our millions of citizens all over the world,” he said.
Reflecting on Türkiye’s ongoing journey towards its national goals, Ambassador Pacaci stated, “The great victory won, thanks to our martyrs’ heroism, our veterans’ blood, and our nation’s sacrifices, still guides us today. While marching towards our goals for the Century of Türkiye determinedly, we are also realizing our ideal of a great and powerful Türkiye step by step.”
The Ambassador also reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to global peace and justice, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza. “We are mobilizing all our means and resources to stop the conflicts, oppressions, and massacres occurring in different parts of the world. We stand firmly by all the oppressed, regardless of their identity or faith, and without expecting any material benefit,” he added.
The evening featured a powerful video showcasing the impressive military exercises of the Turkish Armed Forces, further emphasizing Türkiye’s strength and determination to uphold peace and justice worldwide.
