Turkish embassy commemorates Victory Day

Guests discuss Pak politics, IOK & Balochistan situation at ceremony

Islamabad

The political developments, especially the dramatic events of Karachi, agitation of the PTI and its allies against the government occupying the domestic scene were the favourite subjects of discussion among the guests at the reception hosted by Turkey's Ambassador Sadiq Babur Girgin to commemorate Victory Day of his country Tuesday evening in Serena Hotel.

But the situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and so-called Balochistan card of Indian Prime Minister Modi was being condemned by every guest who turned up to felicitate Turk ambassador and his Defence Attaché. 

The guests were of the view that Pakistan's current complexities are linked with its resolve to build China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The regional and global players opposed to the projects are ganged up against the corridor. The new adverse turn in ties between Pakistan and the US was viewed by the guests with a lot of suspicion.

Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Zakaullah was the chief guest while Federal Minister for Planning and Reforms Prof. Ahsan Iqbal was the guest of honour. Prime Minister's National Security Advisor (NSA) Lieutenant General Nasser Khan Janjua, Minister of State Pir Hasnat Shah, former Naval Chief Admiral Asif Sandheela, three former air chiefs, Aziz Bulani and PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi were conspicuous with their presence.

The reception had an added significance in the wake of last month's aborted coup in Turkey since it was the first reception by the embassy, the day was observed with traditional fervour. Ambassador Sadiq Babur Girgin read out the message of his President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The president said, "Our struggle will continue in unity, solidarity and fraternity by defeating the gangs of treason irrespective of traitorous attacks by separatist organisations that aim to stop our holy march. The August 30 Victory should be a lesson especially for terrorist organisations and centers of evil that today target our country's unity and peace and its presence on these lands."

He maintained that the stance our nation displayed in the face of the July 15 bloody coup attempt shows still how alive the spirit of 'Great Offensive' is on these lands. That night, the entire Turkey, together with Turks, Kurds, Lazes, Sunnites, Alawites and Cherkesses, banded together around shared values and defeated Fetullah terrorist organisation (FETO) members dressed in military uniform.

President Recep Erdogan stated that the spirit that made history on July 15 at streets and squares, reared up, so to speak, with the Yenikapi Rally which 5 million people attended on August 7, 2016. In the same period, Turkey was subjected to attacks of Daesh and PKK besides FETO targeting civilians, our security forces, children and innocent people. The only aim of these terrorist organisations, which are managed by the same center despite their different names, is to harm the 'Spirit of New Great Offensive' that came into existence on July 15 and August 7, and to bring this country to its knees.

He said that Turkey, without discriminating among terrorist organisations, is determined to take necessary steps both at home and in neighbouring countries where terrorist organisations are nested in so as to ensure the security of its citizens. He said the Jarablus operation, which was commenced on August 24 in cooperation with the International Coalition, is an indication of our will and determination in this direction. Our operations will go on until terrorist organisations such as Daesh, PKK and its Syrian offshoot YPG are no longer a threat to our citizens, he added.

"Our biggest source of trust in this struggle is the solidarity our nation displayed on the night of July 15 and in its aftermath, along with the support of our friends. On this occasion, I once again remember the founder of our Republic and the Commander-in-Chief of the Great Offensive, Veteran Mustafa Kemal, and his comrades with gratitude; and wish Allah's mercy upon all our martyrs and veterans," Turkey President added. The national anthems were played on the arrival of the chief guests and before cake cutting ceremony.