General Sebahattin Isik Kosaner, Commander of Turkish Land Forces said Thursday that relations between Pakistan and Turkey were time tested, deep and Turkey would always stand with people and government of Pakistan in every difficult time.
"Both countries are inter-linked with time-tested and all-weather friendship. Pakistan had always helped Turkey in difficult time and we will stand with Pakistani brethren in hour of need and difficulty," he said while addressing a gathering at Wadoodia Hall at Saidu Sharif here.
He said the government and people of Turkey had always supported Pakistan in the hour of need and would continue to provide them support in future as well. He said bilateral relations between the two brotherly Muslim countries went beyond the geographical limits, which had stood the test of time.
The Turk General paid rich tribute to Pakistani security forces for their matchless sacrifices in establishing peace in Swat valley and held it in high esteem. He said progress and prosperity would again come to Swat very soon. In addition to military officials of Turkey, Corps Commander Asif Yasin Malik, Incharge Operation Rah-e-Rast Major General Asfhaq Nadeem, Commissioner Malakand Division, Fazal Karim Khattak, Brigadier Tahir Hameed, DIG Malakand Range Qazi Jameelur Rehman, elites of the area and school children were also present on this occasion.
The school children presented special tableaus and skits depicting the influx migration of Swatis to settled districts of NWFP, peace agreements, operation against militants and return of IDPs that received warm applause from the audience. National songs were also presented on this occasion. The Turk General said he was extremely pleased to see joy and happiness on the faces of Swati people and overwhelmed with their hospitality and warmth. "I will never forget the warmth, honour and hospitality extended to me by the people of Swat," he remarked.
Referring to the portraits of Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Founder of modern Turkey Mustafa Kamal Ataturk installed at Wadodia Hall, he said that these are the ample proof that show that how much Pakistan and Turkey are closer with each other.
General Kosaner distributed gifts and school bags among the students and appreciated their performance. Earlier, the Turk General along with senior military officers arrived on one day visit to Swat where he was received by Incharge Operation Rah-e-Rast Major General Ashfaq Nadeem and other military and civilian officers at Mingora Circuit House. He visited Shuhada (Martyrs) Park and laid floral wreath.
He offered Fateha for the martyrs and remained there for sometime. On this occasion, a smartly turned out contingent of army presented salute. Commissioner Malakand Division, Fazal Karim Khattak presented traditional Swati 'Choga and Cap' to the Turk General and other traditional gifts to his delegation.
Comments
Comments are closed.