By Saeed Yousafzai
ISLAMABAD – The strong, historic bonds between Pakistan and Turkey were celebrated today at the inauguration of the Pak Turk Friendship Week, an initiative organized under the Prime Minister Youth Program (PMYP). The opening ceremony, held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad, highlighted cultural, historical, and cooperative ties between the two nations.
Minister of State for National Heritage and Culture, Huzifa Rehman, served as the guest of honor, alongside H.E. Irfan Neziroğlu, Turkey’s Ambassador to Pakistan. Both dignitaries were warmly received by MNA and PMYP Focal Person Syeda Amna Batool and Focal Person Syed Zeeshan Naqvi, whose commendable arrangements for the event were widely praised by attendees.
The official ceremony was preceded by an immersive pictorial exhibition visually chronicling the shared historical journey of Pakistan and Turkey. Guests toured displays featuring rare photographs of national monuments, cultural heritage, key bilateral cooperation milestones, and historical leadership meetings. Visitors noted that the visual narrative powerfully reflected the strength of the enduring Pak Turk friendship.
In his address, Minister Huzifa Rehman emphasized that Pakistan and Turkey share deep historical, cultural, and fraternal ties. He stressed that the younger generation must unite through cooperation and innovation to effectively address future challenges.
“I urge youth to play an active role in strengthening the Pak Turk friendship at community and institutional levels,” the Minister stated, calling for a grassroots commitment to the enduring partnership.
Ambassador Irfan Neziroğlu reciprocated the sentiment, reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to the relationship.
“Pakistan has always maintained pleasant and strong relations with Turkey, and we are determined to further promote these ties,” the Ambassador told the media. He specifically thanked Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the Prime Minister Youth Program, acknowledging that such events are crucial for elevating bilateral relations to new heights.
PMYP Focal Person Syeda Amna Batool stated that the objective of the week-long event is to deepen collaboration in youth development, education, culture, and innovation. She noted that such activities are vital for encouraging young people to engage more closely with Turkey.
Adding to this, Focal Person Syed Zeeshan Naqvi informed reporters that the PMYP is actively working to advance educational and cultural exchanges, positioning the youth as a “bridge between the two countries.” He described Turkey as a reliable friend of Pakistan and outlined plans for further cultural events, exhibitions, and seminars throughout the week to strengthen people-to-people connections.
