KARACHI: The Consul General (CG) of Turkiye in Karachi, Cemal Sangu, has said that Turkiye-Pakistan relations are time-tested and the people of both regions share a thousand years of cultural and religious bonds.

The Turkish diplomat said this while speaking at a presentation on the topic “Turkiye-Pakistan Relations in Historical Perspective,” organised by the Library and Literary Sub-committee of the Karachi Gymkhana.

He stated that although diplomatic relations between the two countries were established 78 years ago, the historical ties span over a thousand years, as the subcontinent and Turkish regions have long been connected culturally and religiously.

The CG congratulated the Pakistani nation and its armed forces for their splendid and befitting response to India during the recent conflict between the two countries and said that Turkiye has always stood by Pakistan. He added that Pakistan and Turkiye are “iron-clad brothers.”

He noted that on May 16, Pakistan celebrated a glorious victory and observed a day of gratitude across the country.

“The people and government of the Republic of Turkiye stand with their Pakistani brethren in every critical moment,” he said, adding that the relationship between the two countries is not seasonal but time-tested and has never been affected during challenging periods.

Contribution in the field of education

The Turkish diplomat said that Turkiye and its development agency, TIKA, have been actively working in Pakistan in the fields of education and social development.

He added that the Turkish government and TIKA are providing scholarships to Pakistani students and that schools and other educational institutions are being established in various districts of Sindh, including its capital, Karachi.

Mr Sangu said that more than 200 comprehensive scholarships are being provided to Pakistani students at all levels, including 49 scholarships for colleges and universities. He noted that 22 Pak-Turk schools are currently providing education to 13,000 students and that Zest Schools enroll 1,600 students annually.

Apart from education, the Turkish government is involved in social development projects in the sectors of education, health, culture, heritage, agriculture and public services.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2025