Pakistan, Türkiye Reaffirm Historic Brotherhood, Deepen Educational and Cultural Ties

Diplomats, education leaders and dignitaries mark 103rd Republic Day in Islamabad, highlighting shared values, academic cooperation and opportunities for the younger generation.

Syed Naveed Hussain

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Türkiye have reiterated their historic bonds of friendship and brotherhood, underscoring education, cultural exchange and youth engagement as key drivers of stronger bilateral relations at a ceremony commemorating the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye in Islamabad.

Held at Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges in H-8, the prestigious event brought together senior government officials, diplomats, educationists, students and representatives of Turkish institutions to celebrate the enduring partnership between the two countries and reaffirm their commitment to expanding cooperation across educational and cultural spheres.

The ceremony served as a platform to highlight the deep-rooted diplomatic and people-to-people connections between Pakistan and Türkiye, with speakers stressing the importance of nurturing these longstanding ties through educational collaboration, cultural understanding and greater opportunities for younger generations.

Among the distinguished guests were Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar, Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Irfan Neziroglu, Ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Buket Kop and Senator Sana Jamali, alongside diplomats from several countries, representatives of Turkish institutions, students, teachers and parents.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of State Wajiha Qamar highlighted the historic and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, describing education as a vital instrument for further strengthening the longstanding partnership.

She appreciated the contributions of the Turkish Maarif Foundation towards improving educational standards in Pakistan and promoting academic cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Turkish Ambassador Dr Irfan Neziroglu reflected on Türkiye's historic journey since the establishment of the republic on October 29, 1923, saying that relations between Pakistan and Türkiye were founded on mutual respect, shared values, support for each other on international issues and strong people-to-people connections.

He underscored the importance of education in advancing bilateral relations and highlighted the role of younger generations in carrying forward the longstanding friendship.

The ambassador also drew attention to scholarship opportunities and educational prospects available to Pakistani students at Turkish educational institutions, encouraging greater academic engagement between the two countries.

Ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Buket Kop emphasised the importance of education, cultural exchange and international friendship. She stressed that young people should remain connected to their cultural heritage while respecting other cultures and promoting mutual understanding.

Country Director of Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges Pakistan, Harun Kucukaladagli, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to providing quality education, promoting character building and fostering intercultural harmony.

Referring to the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Maarif Foundation, he highlighted its contribution to strengthening educational cooperation and further deepening relations between Pakistan and Türkiye.

The ceremony also paid tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, recognising his historic role in the establishment of the modern Turkish republic.

Students added colour to the celebrations through special performances and cultural activities showcasing Türkiye's history, traditions, national identity and rich cultural heritage.

Speakers described October 29, 1923, as a defining milestone in Türkiye's history, marking the establishment of the republic and the beginning of a new chapter in the country's national journey.

The event also witnessed participation from representatives of Turkmenistan, Indonesia, Syria, Palestine and Egypt, alongside other diplomatic personalities and representatives of Turkish institutions and companies.

Participants emphasised the need to further expand educational partnerships, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts, describing these areas as important foundations for sustaining the friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye. According to the Turkish Maarif Foundation, it operates 611 educational institutions across 66 countries, with more than 75,000 students enrolled worldwide.

In Pakistan, Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges operates 27 campuses in 10 cities, providing educational opportunities to more than 13,000 students. The ceremony concluded with a renewed emphasis on the importance of education, cultural understanding and youth engagement in carrying the historic Pakistan-Türkiye friendship into the future.