Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Pakistan’s longstanding ties with Türkiye as an economic powerhouse and thanked Ankara for its support during conflicts and natural disasters.
“The fraternal bond between Pakistan and Türkiye runs deeper than Pakistan’s own birth,” Sharif said at a ceremony marking Türkiye’s 103rd Republic Day at the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad. He also described the relationship as “two souls, one heart” and expressed hope for stronger ties between the two countries.
Sharif congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish people, highlighting the countries’ shared history and cooperation in defense, trade, investment and humanitarian assistance. Noting Türkiye’s support following Pakistan’s 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods, Sharif also praised Ankara’s backing during the May 2025 conflict with India.
The ceremony at the Turkish embassy was attended by Turkish ambassador Irfan Neziroglu, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Governor KPK Faisal Kareen Kundi, Minister Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, Federal Minister for Food and Security Rana Tanveer, Minister Talal Chaudhary, Senators and Parliamentarians, other Pakistani and Turkish officials.
Turkey, which celebrates Republic Day on October 29, marks the proclamation of the republic in 1923 under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the country’s founding president.
