Pakistani leaders hail Türkiye on Victory Day

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday extended warm greetings to Türkiye on the 104th anniversary of Victory Day, commemorating the historic Aug. 30, 1922 victory led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk that paved the way for the modern Turkish Republic.

'Bonds of history and faith'

In a post on X, Zardari said Pakistan and Türkiye enjoy a unique relationship rooted in deep bonds of history, faith and mutual support. "Pakistan and Türkiye enjoy a unique and enduring relationship, rooted in deep bonds of history, faith and mutual support," he said, recalling that the Great Victory remains an important chapter in Türkiye's history. He wished President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish people continued peace and prosperity, adding: "Long live Pakistan–Türkiye friendship."

Strategic defense ties

In a separate post, Sharif noted that the day commemorates the historic victory secured under Ataturk's leadership. "The 30th of August commemorates the historic victory secured under the leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, which laid the foundations of the modern Turkish Republic," he said. He added that the bilateral ties are "bonds of the heart" forged over centuries of shared faith and struggle, and noted that the recent Makkah Joint Defence Agreement binds the two nations alongside Saudi Arabia in pursuit of common security.

Commemorating the 1922 victory

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also congratulated the Turkish leadership and people, stating: "We join our Turkish brothers and sisters in celebrating this historic victory and honor the memory of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and all the heroes and martyrs of Türkiye's War of Independence." Victory Day marks the final battle in western Anatolia against Greek forces in 1922, when Turkish troops decisively defeated the invading army at Dumlupinar from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30 — leading to the expulsion of all foreign forces and the establishment of the Republic one year later.