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ANKARA, Feb 4 (APP): Turkish Deputy Minister for National Education, Celile Eren Okten, and the Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkiye, Dr. Yousaf Junaid on Wednesday graced the prize distribution ceremony for the eighth edition of the Jinnah Young Writers Award essay competition held here.
Named after Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, the Jinnah Young Writers Award is a key component of the Pakistan Embassy’s public diplomacy initiatives. The competition is organized annually for senior high school students in Turkiye. The theme for the eighth edition was “Family as a Source of Strength: Exploring Its Role in Pakistani and Turkish Societies.”
In her remarks, Turkish Deputy Minister for National Education Celile Eren Okten stated that 2025 was declared the “Year of the Family” in Turkiye. She emphasized that the institution of family constitutes a fundamental pillar of social cohesion in both Pakistan and Turkiye, and noted that the theme of the essay competition aligned with the vision of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to strengthen the institution of family.
She further added that educational initiatives such as the Jinnah Young Writers Award provide a meaningful platform for students to reflect on shared societal values and contribute to the further strengthening of the long-standing brotherly relations between the two countries.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador of Pakistan Dr. Yousaf Junaid underscored that family values form the moral and cultural foundation of both Pakistani and Turkish societies.
He noted that the theme of this year’s competition enabled students to thoughtfully explore the role of family in shaping resilient and harmonious communities.
He added that the Jinnah Young Writers Award continues to play a constructive role in familiarizing the younger generation with the depth and significance of Pakistan–Turkiye ties, and stated that the Pakistan Embassy would continue to organize the competition with broader participation in the future.
Yagmur Zulfikar from Ozel Muradiye Nene Hatun Girls’ Anatolian High School Ankara, secured first position, H. Ebrar Kesici from 15 Temmuz Sehit Erdem Diker Anatolian Imam Hatip High School Tokat, was awarded second position, while Hayrunnisa Keskin from Zubeyde Hanim Girls’ Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, Zonguldak secured third position.
Mustafa Yalcinkaya of Bozkir Anatolian High School, Konya, Zeynep Ecrin Eniste of Ozel Sivas Bati Anatolian High School Sivas and Ali Yusuf Sabah of Sirri Yircali Anatolian High School, Balikesir, were awarded Honourable Mentions in recognition of their commendable performance.