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ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (APP):The Pakistan–Türkiye Friendship Week celebrations commenced at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) on Wednesday with the inauguration of an international conference and a Hagia Sophia Photo Exhibition, highlighting the centuries-old cultural and civilizational bond between the two brotherly nations.
Parliamentary Secretary for Education Farah Naz Akbar, addressing the opening session as the chief guest, said that the relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye is rooted in love, trust and spiritual closeness — a connection that no distance or passage of time has ever weakened.
She expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for announcing this special week to honor the deep friendship between the two nations.
Representing the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, AIOU Dean of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Abdul Aziz Sahir said the relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye is a sacred confluence whose name is love.
He remarked that both nations are “two bodies with one soul,” whose hearts beat in perfect harmony.
Pakistanis never feel like strangers in Türkiye, and the people of Türkiye consider Pakistan their second home, he added.
University Registrar Raja Umar Younis highlighted that Pakistan and Türkiye have always stood shoulder to shoulder and are now expanding cooperation in education, tourism, energy, trade and technology. He said AIOU is actively working on faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects and virtual academic linkages to further strengthen people-to-people relations.
Chairman of the National Rehmatul-lil-Alameen wa Khatam-un-Nabiyyin Authority Khurshid Ahmad Nadeem delivered a detailed talk on the historical and intellectual foundations of Pakistan–Türkiye friendship, while Dr. Farooq Adil formally inaugurated the “Dost Forum” to promote academic collaboration.
Director Yunus Emre Institute Pakistan, Dr. Khalil Tokar, said the friendship between Türkiye and Pakistan is a radiant tale stretching across centuries. He prayed for the everlasting prosperity of both countries.
On the sidelines of the conference, a Hagia Sophia Photo Exhibition was opened at the AIOU Academic Complex, featuring striking photographs of Türkiye’s iconic architectural wonder. The exhibition reflects shared Islamic heritage and cultural harmony between the two brotherly nations.
A final-year master’s student Zunaira visiting the exhibition told APP that the images inspire strength and courage. “These pictures tell us that we too can rise again and stand proud before the entire world,” she said while admiring images of Istanbul’s historic skyline.
A Master of Mass Communication first-year student Dawood welcomed the event and said that Pakistan’s bond with Türkiye runs in the blood.
Director International Office AIOU Dr. Zahid Majeed emphasized the importance of further strengthening academic, cultural and research partnerships, praising the Yunus Emre Institute for promoting Turkish language and culture, and fostering deep people-to-people engagement.