Islamabad (TDI): Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, welcomed a Turkish student delegation from the Turkiye Maarif Foundation (TMF) at the PM Office on Tuesday.
The meeting marked a step forward in strengthening cultural and educational ties between Pakistan and Turkiye.
The discussions centered on the Youth Cultural Exchange Program, a new initiative designed to foster collaboration in education, entertainment, and language. The two sides also laid the groundwork for future student exchange projects.
Additionally, the discussions set the foundation for future student exchange initiatives between both countries.
The Turkish Maarif Foundation (TMF), established by the Turkish Parliament, is committed to providing educational services abroad, fostering global cultural and educational exchanges. Operating in 67 countries with a network of 332 institutions, TMF serves over 40,000 students and offers programs ranging from preschool to higher education.
The Foundation also provides scholarships, dormitories, and educator training, and plays a pivotal role in international cooperation. Through fully funded scholarships and strategic partnerships, TMF supports students in broadening their academic and cultural experiences, thereby strengthening global ties.
Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan extended a warm welcome to the delegation, emphasizing the deep-rooted, brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Turkey. He highlighted Turkey’s unwavering support for Pakistan during the recent conflict with India, as well as the strong cultural ties shared between the two nations.
In particular, Chairman referenced the widespread popularity of Turkish dramas in Pakistan, noting their appeal across all age groups as a testament to the growing cultural connection. He also underscored the historical ties between Urdu and Turkish, further deepening the bond between the countries.
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The Chairman also discussed plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Turkish Maarif Foundation, aimed at fostering cultural exchanges and educational collaborations. The Youth Culture Exchange Program will provide a platform for students from both countries to engage in shared learning and explore each other’s cultures in more depth.
The visiting delegation also shared details of a new initiative by the Turkish government, offering fully funded scholarships for 250 Pakistani students. This initiative aims to facilitate academic exchanges and provide Pakistani students with the opportunity to study in Turkiye, allowing them to experience its rich educational and cultural environment.
The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Türkiye Republic, including Ramadan Şenol Cirit, Youth Center Director, and Zubeyde Sert, Youth Worker. From the Turkish Maarif Foundation, the delegation consisted of Ahmet Güney, the Head of the Department of Student and Alumni Affairs, and Mehmet Alğan, Turkish Dormitory Coordinator.
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In addition, a group of students and participants joined the delegation, including Bugra Elvan, Haroon Ali, Ahmet Yiğit Atıcı, Muhammed ÇİÇEK, Omer Sen, Mustafa Can Temel, Merve Sahin, Büşra Aleyna Okur, Kubra Mayar, Fatma Jule Yilmaz, Feyzanur ÜSTÜN, and Esma Nur Sari.
The delegation was accompanied by Pakistani host staff, including Shakir Hussain Shakir, Head of the Department of Student Affairs & Global Engagement, Zerfishan Adnan, Principal of International Maarif School, Islamabad, and Zakia Charagh, Counselling Officer at the same institution.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
