The 70th Independence Day of Pakistan was commemorated in Ankara on 14 August 2016. The Ambassador of Pakistan, Sohail Mahmood, hoisted the national flag at the tune of national anthem in presence of the Pakistani community, students, Turkish guests, and Embassy officials and their families. The special messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out during the ceremony. In his remarks on the occasion, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood underlined the significance of Independence Day, highlighted efforts for security and economic development in Pakistan, and noted the key developments in the region. With reference to attempted coup of 15 July, he reaffirmed the strong support and solidarity expressed by the leadership of Pakistan with President Erdogan, the elected government, and democratic institutions of Turkey. The Ambassador also highlighted the growth of Pakistan-Turkey relations in trade and investment, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges. The Pakistani school students in Ankara presented special performance composed of milli (national) songs. Afterwards, flanked by school children, the Ambassador cut the Independence Day cake.