ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkiye were on a high trajectory as both nations continued to strengthen cooperation in economic, defence and strategic sectors.
Addressing a ceremony to mark the 102nd Republic Day of Turkiye, the prime minister expressed satisfaction that the leadership of both countries had held several high-level meetings and agreed to “share their joys and sorrows together.”
Shehbaz Sharif said the people of Pakistan were celebrating the day alongside their Turkish brothers and sisters to honour Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who laid the foundation of modern Turkiye. He noted that Turkish flags fluttering across Islamabad reflected that “our hearts beat with our Turkish brothers and sisters.”
The prime minister praised Turkiye’s remarkable journey of progress and prosperity since the time of Ataturk, describing it as an inspiring example of determination and reform.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, cabinet members, parliamentarians, diplomats and senior officials.
Lauding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, Shehbaz Sharif said he had been a “guiding light of progress, prosperity and resilience” not only for his country but for the entire Muslim world. Such achievements, he said, would not have been possible without Erdogan’s dynamic and visionary leadership.
Shehbaz Sharif observed that modern Turkiye represented a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, combining progress with the preservation of Turkish culture and civilization.
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The prime minister noted that relations between Pakistan and Turkiye predated the creation of Pakistan and were rooted in centuries-old brotherhood. During the Tahreek-i-Khilafat, he recalled, Muslim women of the Indo-Pak subcontinent had sold their jewellery to support Turkiye.
“Our forefathers never imagined that a day would come when an independent Turkiye would stand shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan through thick and thin,” he said, adding that Turkiye had always stood by Pakistan — whether in wars, earthquakes or floods.
Referring to the recent conflict with India, the prime minister said Pakistan’s armed forces under the command of General Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu had “taught India an unforgettable lesson.” During that period, he added, President Erdogan had stood with Pakistan “like a rock.”
Shehbaz Sharif also expressed gratitude to Turkiye for its unwavering support on the Kashmir issue and reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing for Turkiye’s position on Northern Cyprus.
The ceremony concluded with the prime minister cutting a cake to mark the occasion.
