PM says Pak-Turkiye brotherly ties ever growing, strengthening

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday addressed a ceremony in Islamabad marking the 102nd Republic Day of Turkiye. He said the two nations continue to stand together “to jointly share their joys and sorrows” the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

The prime minister said that they had gathered to celebrate the great day with their Turkish brothers and sisters when Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had laid a foundation of modern Turkiye. 

He added that the Turkish journey of progress and prosperity had moved at a remarkable pace since the vision of Ataturk began shaping modern Turkiye. 

“Turkish flags are fluttering all over Islamabad today,” the Prime Minister said, “showing that our hearts beat with our Turkish brothers and sisters.”

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats and officials. 

The Prime Minister said that Turkiye has always stood with Pakistan in difficult times, from wars to natural disasters. He recalled that during the 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods, Turkiye was among the first countries to provide assistance.

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.  

Referring to the recent conflict with India, he said Pakistan’s armed forces, under the leadership of General Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, “taught India an unforgettable lesson.” He added that during that period, President Erdogan stood with Pakistan like a rock.

PM Sharif also thanked Turkiye for its consistent support on the Kashmir issue and reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing of Turkiye’s position on Northern Cyprus.