Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Pictures : Raja Ghulam Farid + PID ISLAMABAD : 29 Oct 2025 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Wednesday, said that fraternal and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye had been on a high trajectory as both countries were solidifying their economic, defense and strategic cooperation.
Addressing a ceremony to commemorate the proclamation of 102nd Republic Day of Turkiye, the prime minister expressed his satisfaction that the leadership of the two brotherly countries had held several high-level meetings and ‘agreed to jointly share their joys and sorrows together.’
Earlier, Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan Dr Irfan Neziroglu, read out a congratulatory message of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan felicitating his nation. The Turkish president, in the message, highlighted the significance of the day, economic and diplomatic achievements.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan celebrated the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, promising to maintain the country’s unity, independence and strength.
“We are working with all our strength to keep the Republic of Türkiye everlasting,” Erdoğan emphasized in his message.
Describing the republic as the latest expression of a centuries-old state tradition built through national sacrifice, he noted: “The Republic of Türkiye is the final roof of our selfless nation that clung with all its strength to its freedom and independence despite hardships, deprivation and struggle during the most painful days of its history – the last link in our chain of states.”
“I commemorate with mercy the heroes who for centuries have made these lands our homeland with their blood and their lives,” Erdoğan added, honoring those who secured Türkiye’s independence.
The president underlined Türkiye’s determination to resist threats to social cohesion: “Without giving credit to those who trade in chaos and target our national unity and solidarity, we will, God willing, continue to overcome obstacles, foil plots, and frustrate those who pursue expansionist ambitions.”
Erdoğan pointed to major development and security goals under the “Century of Türkiye” vision. “In line with our ‘Century of Türkiye’ goals, we are making groundbreaking strides in every field,” he said, reaffirming efforts toward a “terror-free Türkiye where our 86 million people will live in peace.”
He also highlighted Türkiye’s international role and diplomatic activism, stressing that the country remains committed to defending justice in global crises.
Looking ahead, Erdoğan called for collective resolve: “We will build together a great, strong, and prosperous Türkiye – respected in the world and a leader in its region.”
In Islamabad, the event was organized by the Embassy of Turkiye , at newly opened first six star hotel Movenpick. As Prime Minister and important members of his cabinet were participating to express their solidarity with brotherly Turkiye Republic, strict security measures were taken from parking to the reception hall.
The event was the biggest activity in Islamabad with respect to remarkable number of ministers presence that was counted more than 12 including the coordinators and special assistents with minister status.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif,Minister Defence Production Raza Hayaat Haraaj, Minister Railway Hanif Abbasi, Minister Communication Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister Science Tech Khalid Magsi, Minister Maritime Junaid Anwar , Minister IT Shaza Fatima Khwaja,Minister Religious Affairs Sardar Yousuf, Minister State Law Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister Poverty Alleviation Imran Shah, PM’s Coordinator on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas, PM’s Coordinator for Youth Rana Mashhood Ahmad, PM’s Special Assistent on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatimi, Additional Secretary MOFA Hamid Asghar Khan,Governor KP Faisal Karim Kundi, parliamentarians, diplomats and officials.
Prime Minister Pakistan said, in his keynote address, that we had gathered here to celebrate the great day with their Turkish brothers and sisters when Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had laid a foundation of modern Turkiye.
The prime minister said that the day was being celebrated all over Pakistan and in Islamabad, Turkish flags were fluttering, reflecting ‘our hearts beat with our Turkish brothers and sisters.’
He said that Turkish journey of progress and prosperity, had seen remarkable pace in the last many decades, ever since, late Kemal laid its foundation.
Lauding President Erdogan’s role, the prime minister said he had been a leading light of progress, prosperity and resilience not only for his own countrymen but in the entire world and the Muslim world.
Such achievements could not have been possible without his dynamic leadership, he added. The prime minister further observed that modern Turkiye was a reflection of modernity, combining Turkish culture and civilization.
He said the relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye did not start from 1947 but dated back to centuries and during Tahreek-i-Khilafat, the Muslim women in Indo-Pak sub-continent, sold their jewelry to support Turkiye.
The prime minister said that their forefathers did not know that a day would dawn when an independent Turkiye would emerge, pay back to them in terms of love, affection and contributions and stand with Pakistan through thick and thin.
He further commended that Turkiye; a forward-looking country stood with Pakistan in wars and devastating earthquakes and floods.
Referring to recent war with India, he said the armed conflict lasted for 14 days, in which Pakistan’s armed forces led by prudent and brave Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir and the air force under leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, had taught India, an unforgettable lesson.
During this period, he said, Turkish President Erdogan stood with Pakistan like a rock. In 2005 earthquake, Turkiye was a leading country which supported Pakistan, and during 2010 devastating floods, it extended all possible support.
The prime minister expressed gratitude to Turkiye for supporting Kashmir issue and reiterated Pakistan’s support to Turkiye over the cause of Northern Cyprus. On the occasion, the prime minister also cut a cake.
The spacious hall was decorated according to the Turkish culture and history. On one side agri products including delcious honey and other items were available at the stall of TIKA that were produced at NARC in collaboration with PARC. On other side, models of Turkish fighter jets and drones were source of attraction for the guests.
A cultural show by Turkish artists dressed in traditional dresses was also presented for the amusement of the participants. A special kid sang Dil Dil Pakistan and recieved huge applaud from the listeners. Ambassador stood by him to encourage the cute child.
A sumptuous dinner with Turkish and Pakistani fusion was also part of the celebration. It was a very well attended celebration that hosted prominent people from all walks of life including businessmen, civil society and media persons.
