ISLAMABAD – The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey and Mrs. Babur Hizlan Thursday organised a diplomatic reception at the embassy to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Victory Day.
Federal Minister for Water and Power Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar was the chief guest. Members of Pakistan’s parliament, senior officers from the armed forces, diplomats and large number of elites of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi cities attended the reception.
This special occasion marks the victory of present day Republic of Turkey that defeated invading forces of Greece, France and United Kingdom in 1922 under the ample leadership of Kemal Ataturk, the reformer of Turkey. According to ambassador Hizlan, Turkish President Abdullah Gul celebrated Victory Day Thursday in the hospital, where he is being treated for a recurring ear ailment. He said that Gul posted on his Twitter his regret that he wouldn’t be able to attend official celebrations because of his doctor’s recommendations.
“Thanks to God, my health is improving. My doctors are sharing the most recent information [about my health] with you,” Gul posted on his Twitter page. Gul also said he wasn’t “wasting time” in the hospital, Today’s Zaman said.
“I am going ahead with my studies. I am reading reports and books,” Gul said in a post that included a photo of him reading a report on clashes in Syria. Gul was hospitalized Aug. 23, cutting short a visit to Kyrgyzstan for the Second Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States in Bishkek. Gul postponed foreign travel for two months on the recommendation of his doctor. His physician said the president was improving and was slowly returning to his daily routine. Victory Day on Aug. 30 marks the military victory in the final battle of Turkey’s Independence War in 1922.