The Embassy of Pakistan in Ashgabat hosted a reception to mark Pakistan’s 79^th Independence Anniversary and the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, attended as Chief Guest. Ambassadors, Deputy Head of Missions, Business community, Pakistani diaspora, media personnel attended the reception.

            Ambassador Dr. Faryal Leghari expressed appreciation to the leadership and Government of Turkmenistan in further strengthening the Pakistan–Turkmenistan bilateral ties, which are rooted in mutual respect, shared values, peace, stability and regional connectivity.

            The Ambassador praised the tireless mediation efforts of civilian and military leadership of Pakistan aimed at a peaceful resolution of the US-Iran conflict and stressed on importance of dialogue for conflicts resolution and lasting peace.

            On this occasion, the Ambassador underscored the importance of water being the most essential foundations of human security and stressed that shared waters must never be weaponized, rather they must remain a bridge of cooperation and managed in accordance with international law.

            Recalling the courage and steadfast commitment of Pakistan’s security forces in confronting internal and external threats, the Ambassador reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering resolve to overcome these challenges.

            The ceremony also featured a short documentary and a photo exhibition, showcasing contributions and enduring legacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

In response, the Chief Guest thanked the Ambassador and noted that the first official international recognition of neutrality Turkmenistan has received with the adoption of the Final Declaration of the Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization in Islamabad in March 1995. The Chief Guest highlighted the importance of the visits of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Turkmenistan in 2024 and 2025 and hoped that the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries will continue to grow strong in all spheres of mutual interest including energy, academic and educational sectors.