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ISLAMABAD, Jan 29 (APP):Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) Thursday hosted a special literary and cultural event to honor renowned Turkish writer, scholar, and researcher Professor Dr Halil Toker (Sitara-e-Imtiaz) in recognition of his outstanding and valuable contributions to language and literature, particularly Urdu.
The chief guests on the occasion were Huzaifa Rehman, Minister of State for National Heritage and Culture Division, and Dr Irfan Neziroglu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Pakistan.
The guests of honor included Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training and National Heritage & Culture Division; Dr Mehmet Toyran, Educational Counsellor at the Embassy of Türkiye in Pakistan; and Dr Kamran Jahangir, Managing Director of the National Book Foundation. The event was moderated by Munir Fayyaz.
In his address, Huzaifa Rehman said that Dr Halil Toker’s invaluable services to Urdu literature would always be remembered. He remarked that institutions like the Pakistan Academy of Letters represent Pakistan’s soft image globally and that organizing such an event to acknowledge Dr Toker’s contributions was a testament to the Academy’s commitment to literature.
Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar said that through tireless efforts, Dr Halil Toker has built a strong literary and cultural bridge between Türkiye and Pakistan, which will continue to grow stronger over time. She described him as a true ambassador of Pakistan and Urdu literature in Türkiye.
Ambassador Dr Irfan Neziroglu stated that Pakistan–Türkiye relations are strengthening with each passing day, and that literature and culture are giving new dimensions to these ties.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mehmet Toyran said that educational and literary linkages between Pakistan and Türkiye serve as an excellent platform for learning from each other’s experiences. He added that Dr Halil Toker’s contributions play a vital role in promoting academic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Dr Kamran Jahangir, Managing Director of the National Book Foundation, emphasized that books, reading, and literature form the strongest foundations for intellectually connecting nations. He said that the National Book Foundation and the Pakistan Academy of Letters aim to further expand joint efforts to promote such literary connections.
In her introductory address, Dr Najeeba Arif, Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, highlighted Dr Halil Toker’s deep spiritual and intellectual attachment to Pakistan. She said that his selfless services to Urdu literature are proof that literature transcends borders. She welcomed the distinguished guests and outlined the Academy’s literary and cultural mission.
At the conclusion of the event, the chief guests and other dignitaries presented Dr Halil Toker with a commemorative shield.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr Toker said that the love and respect he has received from Pakistan is an invaluable asset, and that his relationship with the Urdu language and literature is not merely academic but deeply emotional and spiritual.
He thanked the Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters and all participants for organizing the event in his honor, and reaffirmed his commitment to continue working for the promotion of literary and cultural ties between Pakistan and Türkiye.