ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): ”Türkiye–Pakistan Friendship Week is a celebration of the unbreakable bond between two hearts, two nations and two civilizations,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Education Farah Naz Akbar while addressing the opening session of an international conference titled “Pakistan–Türkiye Friendship” held at Allama Iqbal Open University as the chief guest.
Farah Naz Akbar further stated that the relationship between the two countries is one of blood, faith and love—a connection that no distance or passage of time has ever weakened. She said that the ties between Türkiye and Pakistan are not confined to diplomatic or political levels; rather, it is a bond of hearts.
The Parliamentary Secretary expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for announcing this special week. The Pakistan–Türkiye Friendship Celebrations were organized by the university’s International Office in collaboration with Türkiye’s Yunus Emre Institute and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Abdul Aziz Sahir, said that Pakistan and Türkiye share a common past, a common present, and a shared future. He remarked that the relationship between the two countries has become a sacred confluence whose name is love. Dr. Sahir added, “These are two nations with two bodies but one soul, and their hearts beat in perfect harmony.”
Dr. Sahir further said that Pakistanis never feel like strangers when they visit Türkiye, and the people of Türkiye consider Pakistan their second home.
University Registrar Raja Umar Younis, in his address, stated that Pakistan and Türkiye have always stood shoulder to shoulder. Today, both nations are exploring new opportunities in education, trade, energy, tourism, and technology. He added that Allama Iqbal Open University is actively working on joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges, and online collaborative programs to strengthen educational and cultural ties.
Chairman of the National Rehmatul-lil-Alameen wa Khatam-un-Nabiyyin Authority, Khurshid Ahmad Nadeem, delivered a comprehensive talk on the historical and intellectual dimensions of Pakistan–Türkiye friendship, while Dr. Farooq Adil formally inaugurated the “Dost Forum.”
Director of the Yunus Emre Institute, Dr. Khalil Tokar, stated that Pakistan and Türkiye are two great brotherly nations whose friendship is a radiant tale spanning centuries. He said that Türkiye and Pakistan are two bodies and one soul and prayed that this eternal friendship continues to flourish forever.
The Director of the International Office, Dr. Zahid Majeed, emphasized the need to further strengthen Pakistan–Türkiye relations, stating that educational, cultural, and research collaboration between the two countries is the need of the hour. He praised the services of the Yunus Emre Institute, highlighting its key role in promoting the Turkish language and culture and in fostering people-to-people and academic linkages between the two nations.
