Pak-Türk-Maarif Islamabad Marks Türkiye’s 103rd RepublicDay; Wajiha Qamar Attend Ceremony
Cultural Performances by Students Highlight the Strong Pakistan–Türkiye Friendship
Diplomats from Türkiye, Palestine, Syria and Indonesia Attend Republic Day Celebration
Islamabad – 1st November 2026 (Adnan Hameed) : Pak Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges Islamabad celebrated the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye with a grand ceremony at its H-8 campus in Islamabad, highlighting the historic friendship and strong educational ties between Pakistan and Türkiye.
The event was attended by Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar, Turkiye Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ambassador Buket Kop, Ambassador of the Syria Dr Rameez Alraee, Deputy Indonesian Ambassador Rahmat Hinidarta, Former Palestinian Diplamat Nader Al-Turk, Senator Sana Jamali, diplomats, officials, students, parents and institutional representatives.
Minister of State Wajiha Qamar also experienced the traditional Turkish art of paper marbling during visiting to a stall, she was accompanied by Irfan Neziroglu, Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan, and the Country Director of Pak-Türk Maarif.
Türkiye’s Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the two countries and highlighted scholarship opportunities for Pakistani students in Türkiye.
Ambassador Buket Kop also emphasized cultural exchange and educational cooperation, while Pak-Turk Maarif Country Director Harun reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and intercultural understanding.
The ceremony paid tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye, established on October 29, 1923. Pakistani students presented cultural performances showcasing Türkiye’s history, traditions and national heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Wajiha Qamar – Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, stressed the importance of education in strengthening Pakistan–Türkiye relations and appreciated the Turkish Maarif Foundation’s contribution to academic cooperation.
The celebration also highlighted the Turkish Maarif Foundation’s 10-year contribution to international education. The foundation operates 611 educational institutions in 66 countries, serving over 75,000 students. In Pakistan, Pak-Turk Maarif runs 27 campuses in 10 cities, catering to more than 13,000 students.
The occasion highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Türkiye and celebrated the longstanding friendship and educational cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye.
