ISLAMABAD: Pakistan joined Türkiye in celebrating the 102nd anniversary of the Republic on Wednesday, with official messages, cultural events, and a display of solidarity that illuminated the two nations’ enduring friendship.
Iconic landmarks across Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore were bathed in red and white — the colors of Türkiye’s national flag — symbolizing unity and shared pride between the two countries.
The demonstrations of solidarity marked what officials described as a renewed chapter in the “brotherly ties” between Pakistan and Türkiye, built on shared values, mutual respect, and generations of friendship.
Prime Minister’s Message of Solidarity
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended warm felicitations to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the people of Türkiye, calling the Republic Day “a moment of pride for the entire Muslim world.”
He praised Türkiye’s remarkable transformation and economic progress under President Erdoğan’s leadership, describing it as “a model of resilience and revival.” The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Türkiye, noting that “our relationship has entered a new era of cooperation under the sagacious guidance of President Erdoğan.”
President Zardari’s Tribute to Turkish Resilience
President Asif Ali Zardari also sent heartfelt greetings, paying tribute to the Turkish nation’s strength and vision. “The perseverance and vision of the Turkish people remain a beacon for the world,” he said in his message.
He said the determination and vision of the Turkish nation serve as a beacon of inspiration for the entire world. President Zardari praised the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, noting that his guidance opened new paths of reform and progress.
The president recalled that Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had paid rich tribute to the Turkish leadership’s historic struggle.
He emphasized that Pakistan and Türkiye are bound by ties of faith, history, and mutual respect, and that both nations have always stood by each other in times of difficulty.
Cultural and Diplomatic Celebrations
As part of “Pakistan–Türkiye Friendship Week,” the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) hosted an art and photography exhibition in Islamabad, showcasing cultural parallels between the Ottoman Empire and the independence movement of South Asia.
In Lahore, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) signed a landmark agreement with Punjab’s archaeology department to restore the Allama Iqbal Museum — a project aimed at preserving the legacy of the revered poet-philosopher and further cementing cultural bonds.
Symbol of Unity: Illuminated Landmarks
Public landmarks across Pakistan — including Islamabad’s D-Chowk, Karachi’s Frere Hall, and Lahore’s Minar-e-Pakistan — were illuminated in Türkiye’s national colors, turning the night skyline into a glowing symbol of fraternity.
Citizens shared images of the displays across social media, calling them “a tribute of light” to a century-old friendship that continues to thrive through people-to-people and government-level connections.
The celebrations came months after President Erdoğan’s February visit to Pakistan for the 7th session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration in trade, defense, technology, and cultural exchange.
Diplomats described the ongoing cooperation as “a reflection of shared vision and mutual trust” — underscoring that Pakistan–Türkiye ties remain anchored in partnership, solidarity, and a shared pursuit of progress.
