Islamabad (TDI): Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar said on Thursday that Pakistan-Turkiye friendship defied borders and people of the two nations had centuries-old bonds which were getting stronger and stronger with the passage of time.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Yunus Emre Institute, Turkish Culture Center at Allama Iqbal Open University, the minister stated that Pakistan, Turkiye friendship had its roots in history even before the creation of Pakistan.
Referring to the Khilafat movement in early 20th century, he said family elders used to tell moving stories about how the Muslims of the subcontinent donated for their brothers in Turkiye.
He said Pakistanis visiting Turkiye, on return testify that the warmth, respect, and affection they received there was second to none.
Expressing his gratitude to the Turkish leadership, government and people, he said hearts of both people beat in unison.
Tarar said Yunus Emre was a great Sufi poet and scholar whose thoughts were still as relevant as they were in his times.
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Paying tributes to Director Yunus Emre Institute, Pakistan, Dr Halil Toker, Tarar said that he had made a great contribution to promoting Turkish culture in Pakistan.
The minister said that during his recent visit to Turkiye, he met the Head of Presidential Communications Dr Fahrettin Altun and it was agreed to strengthen cooperation in the realm of art and culture.
Collaboration in Drama Industry
He said that Turkish television dramas have been telecast in Pakistan and they were very popular here.
The minister added that he proposed that classic PTV dramas should be dubbed and telecast in Turkiye.
Tarar said Pakistan and Turkiye had many things in common which reflected in culture, language, and religion.
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He highlighted that few people know that, in addition to Lahore, Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s symbolic grave was constructed in Maulana Rumi’s mausoleum in Konya, Turkiye, symbolizing their philosophical connection.
He expressed optimism that the establishment of the Yunus Emre Institute would enhance cultural exchanges and strengthen people-to-people ties, fostering a deeper understanding of the Turkish nation, cherished by Pakistanis.
