A corner of a foreign field


The grave of Flight Lieutenant J Higgins, from the RAF, occupies a quiet corner of one of Fethiye’s graveyards. The story of how he ended up being buried in a corner of a ‘foreign field’ reserved for non-Muslims required some dedicated research but thanks to retired RAF Group Capt. Peter Rogers, a regular visitor to Fethiye and Kayaköy, the resulting story, dating from the early years of the 1950s deserves to be told.
There are occasions when quiet contemplation is just what’s needed and where better than a peaceful graveyard? Wherever they are in the world a cemetery seems to encourage meditation and a feeling of tranquillity, albeit sometimes touched with melancholy. There is something poignant about lives that have passed; simply recorded as a name and a date, perhaps with some other scant detail, which puts our own firmly into perspective.
One such grave is that of 27-year-old Flight Lieutenant J Higgins from the British Royal Air Force. He died on 24th November 1951. A few metres away are four more graves: Flight Officers Muhammad Safdar Jaffrey, Syed Izam Haider, Muhammad Akbar Malik and Fakhre Alam Siddiqui, all from the Pakistan Air Force. They all lost their lives on the same day but only the latter four graves give the reason why: they died in an air crash.
Google reveals nothing but fortunately the archives of The Air Historical Branch (RAF), part of the British Ministry of Defence, were able to shed light on this little known tragedy and in a very helpful and comprehensive letter to Group Captain Peter F. Rogers, OBE, BA, FRPSL, Royal Air Force (Retired),  they explained the sad story of how these young men came to be buried in Fethiye. Let their words relate the fate of these five men:
“Flt Lt Higgins was on volunteer service with the Royal Pakistan Air Force. In November 1951 the RPAF sent 2 Bristol Freighters (Nos G789 and G792) to the UK pick up stores for the RPAF and return to Karachi.
“Both aircraft from 6 Squadron RPAF took off from Bovingdon on 22 November 1951, and called in at RAF Lyneham to obtain the necessary clearances before proceeding back to Karachi in stages. Flt Lt Higgins was undertaking screening duties. On 24 November Nicosia reported that Freighter G792 was overdue; it had taken off at 1354 hours GMT from Athens bound for Nicosia [Lefkoşa] and was last contacted at 1504 hrs.
“A search for the missing Bristol Freighter was carried out by the RAF and Turkish air forces. On 26 November the wreckage was found in the Ak Dağı Mountains at a position given as **** N and **** E. The bodies of the crew were recovered and buried at Fethiye with full military honours and in accordance with their religious beliefs.
“On the night of the accident it was raining and the aircraft struck the peak at a height of about 8,000 feet. In addition to Flt Lt Higgins there were four members of the RPAF on board the aircraft.”
Nowadays it would be possible to repatriate the bodies of the dead airmen to their own countries for burial but in those days morgue facilities in this region were very limited and with no or little electricity and only one ice factory in the town a speedy burial was required. As a result these men were laid to rest in Fethiye. From time to time those who remember them place flowers on their graves.
Local legends of that fateful night have developed over the years and old timers still talk about the event. Almost certainly the real facts have blurred over the years and what was a tragic accident took on new and mysterious dimensions but ultimately this is simply a sad story of a tragic accident.
NB: The prefix Royal was removed when Pakistan became a republic on 23 March 1956. It has since been called the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

Pakistani People and leadership pray for early recovery of President Gul of Turkey

ANKARA, 24 August 2012: The people and leadership of Pakistan wish good health and pray for early recovery for President of Turkey H.E. Mr. Abdullah Gul.

The President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari sent a letter wishing his Turkish counterpart quick and complete recovery. A flower bouquet was also delivered on behalf of President Zardari to President Gul by the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara.

Kavvali müziğinin üstadı Nusret Fatih Ali Han


Kavvali müziğinin üstadı Nusret Fatih Ali Han

ERKAM EMRE   -   18.08.2012  Zaman

Pakistan'ın tasavvuf müziği olarak bilinen 'kavvali'nin duayeniydi. Hak aşkına, Peygamber (sas) hatrına söylenen yüzlerce naat, mersiyeler ve münacatlar okudu. 49 yıllık ömrüne 125 albüm sığdıran Nusret Fatih Ali Han'ın, geçen hafta 15. ölüm yıldönümüydü.
Tasavvuf müziği Kuzey Hindistan'dan başlayıp Anadolu coğrafyasına kadar yayılan muazzam bir kültürün meyvesi. Ülkeleri, sınırları aşıp insanların gönüllerine yerleşen bu müzik, Allah adıyla yanıp tutuşan aşıkların dilinden dökülür, kulak verenlerin gönlünü coşturur. Coşan gönüller sarhoş olup hak adına sema ederler.

İslam kültüründe büyük bir yere sahip olan tasavvuf müziği, ülkeler ve kültürlere göre şekil ve ses değiştirse de özde bir kalmış. Pakistan ve Kuzey Hindistan'da yaşayan Müslümanlar arasında ise kavvali müziği revaç bulmuş. Kökeni 8. yüzyılda Güney İran'a kadar uzanan kavvali müziği, 9. ve 10. yüzyıllarda Hindistan kültürüyle buluşur. Amir Khusro Dehlevi tarafından temelleri atılan kavvali, sufi alimlerin 12. yüzyılda bu coğrafyaya gelmesiyle insanları Müslümanlığa davet etmede kullanılır ve bugünkü halini alır. Tasavvuf müziğinin ana öğeleri olan naat, hamd, menkıbe, münacaat, gazel, mersiyelerin yanı sıra Hint geleneksel şiiri "kafi" gibi kendine has bir tür de barındırıyor kavvali. Bin yıllık bir kültürün ellerinde yoğurulan müziğin belki de en büyük temsilcisi 20. yüzyılda yaşadı. Kavvali severlerin 'Şahen Şahi Kavvali' (Kavvalinin Şahı) diye çağırdıkları Üstad Nusret Fatih Ali Han, 16 Ağustos 1997'de hayatını kaybetse de geride bıraktığımız asrın önemli müzisyenleri arasında sayılıyor ve onlarca ilahisi hâlâ gönülleri coşturuyor.

Altı oktavlık sese sahipti

13 Ekim 1948'de Pakistan'ın Pencap bölgesinde Faysalabad'da doğan Nusret Fatih, kavvali müziği icra eden bir aileden geliyor. O zaman şehirden şehre dolaşarak kavvali okuyan babası, oğlunun bu zor sanatı icra etmesini istemiyordu. Fakat Fatih'in babasına olan hayranlığını fark etmesi pek uzun sürmez. Küçük yaşlardan itibaren babası ve talebelerini kapı deliğinden izleyen genç adam, kararını çoktan vermiştir. Oğlunun bu müziğe olan yeteneğini keşfeden baba, onu yetiştirmeye başlar. Kısa bir sonra babasını kaybeden Nusret Fatih'in amcalarının elinde yuğrulur.

Halkın önüne ilk defa babasının mevlidinde çıkar Nusret. Altı oktav büyüklüğündeki sesiyle herkesi kendine hayran bırakır. Kısa sürede yayılan şöhreti ile ailesinin en büyük müzisyeni olur. Dhurupad (tek kişilik), Khayal (grup halinde) türlerinde örnekler verir ve üzerine eklediği kendi tınılarıyla ünü kısa sürede ülkesinin sınırlarını aşar.

1971 yılında ailesinin resmi ilahicisi unvanını alan Nusret Fatih, artık değişik projelerle adını duyurmak ister. Nusret Fatih Ali Han ve Parti isminde bir topluluk kurup, babasının öncülük ettiği kavvali müziğini kendi tarzıyla daha da ilerletir. Urdu, Puncab, Hindu, Farsça dillerinde söylediği ilahilerle ünü ülkenin her tarafına yayılmakla kalmaz, dünyaca tanınan müzik adamlarının dikkatini çeker. Nusret Fatih'in artık kendini yurtdışında ispat etme zamanı gelmiştir.

Batılı birçok sanatçıyı etkiledi

Nusret Fatih Ali Han, 80'li yılların başlarında İngiliz plak firması Oriental Star Agencies ile sözleşme imzalar ve birçok albüme imzasını atar. Yeğenlerinin de içinde bulunduğu koro ile verdiği canlı konserler öyle büyük bir sükse yapar ki şehre geleceğini duyanlar günler öncesinden konser mahalli önünde kuyruklar oluşturur. Bunun dışında Amerika Birleşik Devletleri, Kanada, Brezilya, Fransa gibi farklı ülkelerde de kendine has bir hayran kitlesi oluşur.

90'lı yıllarda artık kariyerinin zirvesine ulaşacaktır Nusret Fatih. Festivaller ve derleme albümlerinin yaı sıra dünyanın önde gelen müzisyenleriyle ortak çalışmalarda bulunacaktır. Virgin/Real World Records şirketleriyle yaptığı çalışmalarda sesini Batı müziğine uydurarak özgün eserler verir. Bunlardan en önemlisi Michael Brook ile yaptığı 'Musst Musst' albümüdür. İngiltere'nin önemli gruplarından Massive Attack bir remix albümü yapan Nusret Fatih, ayrıca 'The Last Temptation of Christ' ve 'Dead Man Walking' film müziklerine katkıda bulunur. En son olarak 1994 yılında çekilen 'Natural Born Killers' filminin müziği için Roger White ile beraber çalışır.

Nusret Fatih, Bollywood için de birçok müzik projesinde yer aldı. Batıdaki müzik çalışmalarının ardından yeniden Pakistan'a dönüp yeni albüm çalışmalarına koyuldu ve son olarak 'Shaabaz' albümünü çıkardı. Nusret Fatih Ali Han, Guinness Rekorlar Kitabı'na göre, 125 albüm ile dünyanın en fazla albüm çalışması yapmış müzisyeni. Müziğiyle Batılı birçok sanatçıyı da etkileyen büyülü ses, böbrek ve karaciğer yetmezliği sebebiyle Londra'da henüz 49 yaşındayken hayata veda etti. Ömrü boyunca Allah (cc) ismini kıtadan kıtaya taşıyan sanatçı, naatları ve mersiyeleriyle Efendimiz'e (sas) ve ashabına saygısını eksik etmemişti.

Sema eden eller

Kavvali müziği, büyükçe bir halının üzerine oturan beş vokalist, ilahilere eşlik eden iki armoniyum sanatçısı, vurmalı çalgılar 'tabla ve dhoruk' müzisyenleri eşliğinde icra edilir. Arkada oturan vokalistlerin el çırparak da katıldığı ilahiler dakikalarca sürebilir.

Koro baş ilahicinin verdiği komutlar eşliğinde hareket eder, onun el hareketleriyle hızlanıp yavaşlar. Nusret Fatih Ali Han sadece sesiyle değil görünüşüyle ve ilahi sırasında jestleriyle de oldukça dikkat çekerdi. Kendi korosunun devamlı sol baş köşesine yerleşen Nusret Fatih, dev cüssesi ve uzun saçlarıyla sahnede hemen seçilirdi. İlahiler sırasında müziğin ritmine ve sözlere göre ellerini hareket ettiren üstad, adeta elleriyle havada sema yapar. Özellikle Birleşik Krallık'ta yaşayan Pakistan ve Hintli vatandaşların talepleriyle bu ülkede bir çok konser verdi. Performans esnasında aşka gelen kimi dinleyiciler, kendilerini sahneye atıp dans etmeye başlıyordu. Bununla yetinmeyen bazı hayranları başından aşağıya dolarlar yağdırıyor ve ona övgüler dizerdi.

Ailesinin 20 kuşaktır bu işi yapmasının verdiği güven, tecrübenin yanında bunun Allah tarafından kendi ismini zikretmesi için verilmiş bir hediye olduğu bilen Nusret Fatih, şöhretinin hiçbir zaman kendi önüne geçmesine izin vermez, ruh dünyasını her daim canlı tutardı.

Turkey, Pakistan should reflect their affinities in economic cooperation

Turkey, Pakistan should reflect their affinities in economic cooperation
by Gozde Nur Donat, Ankara
Pakistani Ambassador Muhammad Haroon Shaukat has stated that Pakistan and Turkey are “one nation in two countries,” in terms of their common history as well as cultural and political values, but laments that the two do not reflect this closeness in their economic relations.

During an exclusive interview with Today's Zaman, in honor of the 66th year of Pakistan's independence on Aug. 14, the ambassador noted that although there has been important growth in bilateral trade volume, it is not yet satisfactory, taking into account the trading potential of the two countries. The trade volume amounted to $1 billion in the last two years, but the two nations aim to double this figure by the end of 2012, reaching $2 billion.
“I am very unhappy at the level of trade between Turkey and Pakistan. I would like to see it five times, 10 times [the present figure] in the next two or three years. It can happen and it will happen. But the conditions are still not entirely in place,” Shaukat maintained.
Turkey and Pakistan have increased mutual cooperation since the establishment of the High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) at the prime ministerial level in October 2009. During the last annual meeting of the HLCC in May, the two signed nine cooperation agreements in the fields of investment, energy and communications.
The two countries also finalized a Currency Swap Agreement (CSA) in November 2011, allowing them to trade in their own currencies, and are in negotiations to finalize a comprehensive Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), currently discussing which sectors should be included in such an agreement. Because Pakistan does not have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU, the two countries could not sign an FTA, as Turkey is a signatory to the Customs Union (CU) agreement with the EU.
Pakistan and Turkey have also increased their cooperation in terms of transportation. The Gül Train project, which is a railroad project connecting İstanbul-Tehran-Islamabad, was launched in August 2009. A logistics company has been established under the aegis of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) to operate the container train service.
The ambassador asserted that Pakistan is in a privileged location, next to the oil-rich Middle East, as a transit route to Central Asia, which is another major source of the world's energy resources. “We are at the crossroads. We are standing upon what is globally called the Silk Road. Because of the security situation, the road links have not been used very much. It is only a matter of time,” Shaukat claimed.
Expressing contentment over the level of cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in terms of state-to-state relations, the ambassador maintained that such collaboration should also take place between the private sectors.
Currently, Pakistan's exports to Turkey are on a downward trend due to safeguard duties that Turkey has imposed on textile products. Turkey, aiming to protect its developing domestic textile industry, applies that safeguard to China, India and other textile exporters.
Shaukat acknowledged that Pakistan needs to diversify its trade, developing sectors other than textiles, but “it takes time,” he stated, adding: “Pakistan is in a very difficult position. We are the lead country in the war on terror.”
Despite being a resource-rich country, Pakistan's private sector has suffered major losses during the war with restive neighbor Afghanistan, now more than a decade old. The ambassador estimates the total losses suffered by Pakistan since the start of active engagement by NATO coalition forces in Afghanistan at $80 billion.
Touching on the sectors representing trade and investment opportunities for Turkish manufacturers and entrepreneurs in Pakistan, Shaukat mentioned construction, agriculture, energy and information technology. Emphasizing the scope for Turkish companies in terms of construction, the ambassador indicated an exceptional appetite in Pakistan for more business centers, highways, airports and dams. The electricity shortage in the country necessitates more dams and reservoirs, said the ambassador, creating an important opportunity for Turkish construction and energy companies.
The importance of construction projects has further risen following the major earthquake of October 2005 in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The ambassador mentioned that a lot of reconstruction work has taken place in the north of Pakistan, with Turkey's help.
Shaukat also stated that Turkish construction companies are careful to comply with requirements to ensure buildings are able to withstand earthquakes.
In terms of natural disasters, there is mutual generosity between the two countries. Shaukat claimed that Pakistani people had great empathy for the suffering of the Turkish people in relation to the Van earthquakes, which started in October last year, and also conveyed gratitude to Turkey for its generous aid following the 2005 earthquake and the floods of 2010 and 2011.
The ambassador expressed an important opening for Turkish investment in Pakistan's energy sector. Turkish investments, he said, in terms of energy could take many forms, from building new dams and reservoirs to creating electricity networks
Furthermore, Pakistan enjoys large coal reserves, amounting to around 185 billion tons in total. These coal mines are intact and unutilized at present, said Shaukat, and Turkey could make an important contribution to coal mining, and to projects related to the generation of electric power from this energy resource.
Pakistan is also a member country of the Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline project, also known as TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline), which would transport natural gas from Turkmenistan, from the Caspian Sea, to the other three nations. The idea for the project dates back to the 1990s, and it aims to create an independent export route for member countries.
Stating that efforts to finalize the project are ongoing, under agreements signed between the four nations, the ambassador stated: “One important condition [for the realization of such projects] is real peace in Afghanistan. We hope that transition is coming.”
ARABAŞLIK ‘Time for political process to come to the fore in Afghanistan'
Since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the Cold War climate of 1979, Afghanistan has remained a restive country, and itself experienced a civil war starting in the 1990s, following the withdrawal of Soviet troops from the country. The situation has also affected Pakistan, pushing millions of Afghan refugees into the country. Pakistan is home to 3 million Afghan refugees, while Iran is accommodating 1.1 million.
Afghanistan was the subject of a foreign intervention in 2001 by a US-led coalition of NATO forces attempting to put a stop to al-Qaeda's use of Afghanistan as a base, after the terrorist organization claimed responsibility for the Sept. 11 attack. The attack, which left some 3,000 people dead, propelled the US into a global war against al-Qaeda and its affiliates.
Regretting the restive situation in its northwestern neighbor for the past three decades, the ambassador claims that “it is not possible to fight terrorism with bullets. It is time for the political process to be on the front line from now on.”
Claiming that the use of force has bred more militancy in the country, Shaukat expressed hope that a political system administered entirely by Afghans would be initiated in the country very soon. The foundations of such a system have been laid in the country ahead of the complete withdrawal of US forces by 2014.
Shaukat also ruled out allegations that Pakistan has any relationship with Taliban insurgents seeking refuge on the Pakistani side of the border. He rejected the notion that there are Taliban sanctuaries in Pakistan. However, he pointed out, since the two countries have a long border of some 2,600 kilometers, it is difficult for Pakistan to deal with all terrorist groups infiltrating the country.
Recalling that Pakistan has suffered a loss of 30,000 people in the course of the war on terror in its neighbor nation, the ambassador stated that his country would be the biggest beneficiary of peace and stability in Pakistan. “What we need is the aid and assistance of the international community and not accusation and blame,” he stressed.
‘International community should take unified position on Syrian crisis'
Evaluating the 17-month Syrian crisis, the Pakistani ambassador expressed a common position with Turkey on the matter.
“In the Syrian crisis, we share the same concerns as Turkey. We want an end to violence. We want the suffering of the Syrian people to be eliminated. We want a peaceful resolution of the problem in accordance with the aspirations of the Syrian people,” Shaukat stated.
However, the ambassador has not favored any approach linking resolution to “coercive measures,” such as military intervention in Syria. Pakistan, which is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, abstained from voting on the last Western-backed resolution of July 20 over the Syrian crisis, on the grounds that the resolution imposed coercive measures on Syria by threatening the country with sanctions under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter. Russia and China also wielded their dual veto in the third council resolution since the beginning of the conflict.
Chapter 7 sets out the Security Council's powers to maintain peace, and authorizes the council to take military and nonmilitary action when regional security is at stake and threatened by an act of aggression.
The ambassador also made clear that any approach that divides the world on the Syrian crisis, such as military intervention, should be avoided in favor of finding common ground.
“We want more of a consensus approach. We do not want to see the world divided on Syria. So anything that divides the world we should keep away from, and work for a consensus to promote peace in Syria. A peace that is led and owned by the Syrians themselves,” the ambassador stated.
Courtesy: Today's Zaman, 14 August 2012

Announcement - Urdu Essay Competition among Turkish Universities Students


An essay competition in Urdu named “In The Light of Past to The Future: Pakistan-Turkey Relations" will be held by the Istanbul University, Faculty of  Letters, Urdu Language and Literature Department with the cooperation of  International Education Consultancy Company and Literary Urdu Journal Irtibaat. 
Gifts will be presented to the first three winners of the competition.

Deadline of the compositions: 01 September 2012
Requisites for applying:
1-     Graduation from any Urdu department of Turkey universities
2-     Essays must be written by Ms Word or Inpage Urdu program
3-     Essays must be at least 4 pages and maximum 10 pages

Information and Apply:: irtibaat@gmail.com

Juries
International Juries                                                  National Juries
1.       Muhammad Zahoor Sethi                                 1) Prof. Dr. Halil Toker
2.       Nesim Ahmed Khwaja                                      2) Prof. Dr. Celal Soydan
3.       Prof. Dr. Yousuf Khushk                                  3) Assoc.Prof. Dr. Nuriye Bilik
4.       Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran             4) Assist.Prof.Dr. Zekai Kardas
5.       Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zia ul Hasan
6.       Assoc. Prof. Dr. Durmus Bulgur

Pakistan Bağımsızlık Günü Ankara'da - Independence Day of Pakistan at An...

Pakistan Bağımsızlık Günü Ankara’da kutlandı
ANKARA, 14 Ağustos 2012: Pakistan’ın 66. Bağımsızlık Günü bugün Ankara’daki Pakistan Büyükelçiliği’nde kutlandı. Pakistan Büyükelçisi, Ekselansları Sayın Muhammad Haroon Shaukat, Ankara’daki Pakistan topluluğu ve Büyükelçilik yetkililerin de katılımıyla, Pakistan’ın milli marşı eşliğinde milli bayrağı açtı. Büyükelçi, Pakistan Cumhurbaşkanı ve Başbakan’ın bağımsızlık günü münasebetiyle hazırladıkları mesajları okudu.
Pakistan Cumhurbaşkanı, Sayın Asif Ali Zardari, mesajında Pakistan’ın kurucularının Pakistan’ı demokrasi, meşrutiyet ve hukukun egemenliğinin hüküm sürdüğü bir devlet olarak hayal ettiklerini ifade etti. Bugün, liderimiz Sayın Muhammad Ali Cinnah’ın demokratik ülkülerine ve prensiplerine kendimizi tekrar adayalım. Bugün, ulu liderlerimizin hayal ettiği gibi demokrasiyi ve insanları güçlendirmeye ve ilerici, hoşgörülü, ılımlı ve modern bir Pakistan için herkesi birlikte çalışmaya davet ediyorum.
Pakistan’ın Başbakanı, Raja Pervez Aşraf’ın mesajı, mevcut hükümetin son dört buçuk yılda birçok tarihi girişimlerde bulunduğunu ve bir uzlaşma politikasını izlediğini vurguladı. Ülkenin dış politikası, parlamentonun esasları ve ulusal çıkarlar doğrultusunda tasarlanmıştır. Pakistan, enerji krizi, terör ve aşırıcılık gibi sosyo-ekonomik gelişmeye yavaşlatan bir çok zorluklarla karşı karşıya gelmektedir. Bütün bu zorluklara rağmen, Pakistan yargısı bağımsız, Parlamentosu faal, medyası enerjik ve sivil toplumu aktif canlı bir devlettir.
Büyükelçi daha sonra Pakistan topluluğu üyelerine Pakistan-Türkiye ilişkilerindeki son gelişmeler hakkında bilgi verdi. Pakistan topluluğu üyelerinin de ülkelerinin elçileri olduklarını söyledi ve kendilerinden iki ülkeyi birbirlerine daha da yakınlaştırmak için aktif rollerine devam etmelerini istedi.
Daha Fazla fotoshttp://goo.gl/V9vXV

Independence Day of Pakistan celebrated at Ankara
ANAKRA, 14 August 2012:  The 66th Independence Day of Pakistan was commemorated at Pakistan Embassy Ankara today. The Ambassador of Pakistan H.E. Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shaukat unfurled the national flag on the tune of national anthem in the presence of Pakistani community and Embassy officials.  He read out the messages of the President and the Prime Minister on the occasion.
The President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari in his message stated that our founding fathers envisioned Pakistan as a country where democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law would reign supreme. Let us on this day rededicate ourselves to the democratic ideals and principles of our Qaid Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah. On this day, I wish to call upon everyone to work together for the strengthening of democracy, empowerment of the people and for a progressive, tolerant, moderate and modern Pakistan as envisioned by our great leaders.
The message of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Raja Pervez Ashraf highlighted that the present government has taken various historic initiatives during the last four and half years and pursued a policy of reconciliation. Country’s foreign policy was framed in accord with Parliamentary guidelines and national interest. Pakistan is confronted with various challenges such as energy crisis, terrorism and extremism which have showed down the pace of socio-economic development. Despite all the difficulties, Pakistan is a vibrant polity where judiciary is independent, Parliament is functioning, media is vibrant, and civil society is active.
The Ambassador later on briefed the members of the Pakistani community about recent developments in Pakistan-Turkey relations. He said members of Pakistani community are also the Ambassadors of their country and urged them to continue playing their active role in bringing the two countries further closer.
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President of Pakistan’s Special Envoy calls on the Turkish President - Turkish leadership taken into confidence over forthcoming OIC Summit

ISTANBUL, 11 August 2012: President of Pakistan’s Special Envoy and Miniter of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan here today called on the Turkish President Mr. Abdullah Gul and delivered a special message from President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari.
Conveying the greetings of President Zardari to H.E. Abdullah Gül, Malik Amad appreciated Turkey’s positive role for bringing peace and stability in the Middle East. He added that Pakistan and Turkey are pillars of strength in the broader region. Malik Amad stated that Pakistan and Turkey share similar objectives for peaceful resolution of the Syrian conflict. A prolonged civil unrestt in Syria would not only be painful for the Syrian people but would also adversely affect the neighbouring countries in region and beyond.

Turkish President informed that he will attend the forthcoming Summit meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation being held in Makkah, Kindgom of Saudi Arabi next week where Syrian issue will be also deliberated. Mr. Gul  stated that he looked forward to meeting brother Zardari on the sidelines of the Summit. He said both Turkey and Pakistan have unanimity of views on major issues.
Showing satisfaction over the level of growing economic ties, President Gul said Turkish leadership is encouraging businessmen to further expand their investment ventures in Pakistan, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Mr. Gul agreed with Malik Amad that both the countries need to place greater emphasis on bilateral economic cooperation. They hoped for early implementation of agreements signed during Turkish Prime Minister’s recent visit to Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shauakt, Consul General Istanbul Dr. Yusuf Junaid and other senior officials of Pakistan Embassy also attended the meeting.

Turkey-Pakistan holds consultations on regional situation


ANKARA, 10 August 2012: Miniter of State for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan in a meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Naci Kuru here today said Pakistan desire long term peace and stability in the Middle East. Malik Amad is visiting Turkey as special envoy of the President of Pakistan to share Pakistan’s perspective and take Turkish leadership into confidence regarding different issues confronted by our region.

The visiting dignitary said Pakistan as a responsible member of the international community is greatly concerned over the continued violence in Syria. He said further prolonging the conflict will adversely affect the broader region and urged to find a commonly agreed solution.

Malik Amad updated the hosts about Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan, Iran and India. Both the dignatiries also exchanged views about the forthcoming Summit meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey H.E. Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shaukat and senior officials of the Turkish Foreign Ministary were also present in the meeting.
Earlier in the day, Malik Amad visited the Mauseleum of the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and laid floral wreath on Ataturk’s tomb.

ENDS

Photo captions:

Photo1: President of Pakistan’s Special Envoy/Miniter of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan in a meeting with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Naci Koru, 10  August 2012, Ankara.

Photo2/3: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan at Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Mauselum at Ankara on 10 August 2012.

Turkish support for economic uplift of Pakistan


ANKARA, 9 August 2012: Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Mr. Bekir Bozdağ in a meeting here today with President of Pakistan’s Special Envoy/Miniter of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan assured full support of Turkey for initiating projects according to the development needs of Pakistan.

While terming the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkey as exemplary, both the dignataries agreed to further strengthen existing cooperation in the socio-economic field.

Mr. Bekir Bozdağ referred to signing of different agreements during recent Pakistan visit of Turkish Prime Minister. He hoped that these agreements will carry our economic relations into further heights. He stressed on the need of close cooperation between the Universities which will benefit both countries. Mr. Bekir also suggested close cooperation in the tourism sector. Many Turkish tourists would be happy to visit Pakistan as every Turk has feelings of sympathy and love for Pakistan, he added.

The visitng dignitary complimented Turkey for achieving remarkable economic success in recent years. Malik Amad said both the brotherly countries have unanimity of views on global issues. He appreciated Turkey’s role in Afghanistan-Pakistan-Turkey summits.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan is visiting Turkey as President of Pakistan’s Special Envoy. He is having consultations with the Turkish leadership on regional situation and the forcoming Summit meeting of Organization of Islamic Conference being held in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia next week. Malik Amad will deliver special message of President of Pakistan to President of Turkey on 11 August.

Senior officials of the Turkish Government and Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey H.E. Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shaukat also attended the meeting.

ENDS

Pakistan and Turkey must take steps to achieve $2 billion trade target: Prime Minister of Pakistan


ISLAMABADAugust 8, 2012:  Prime Minister of Pakistan Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that Pakistanvalues her close and time-tested friendship with Turkey and is strongly committed to further deepen, broaden and strengthen its partnership with Turkey in every field.
He remarked that our excellent political relations should translate into a qualitative up-gradation of our bilateral economic and commercial ties.
The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to Mr. Mustafa Babur Hizlan, Ambassador of Turkey, who called on him at the PM House today.
The Prime Minister stressed that in order to achieve the mutually agreed trade target of $ 2 billion by the end of this year; we need to create facilitative mechanisms and opportunities for our private sectors.
The Prime Minister further desired that the two brotherly countries should now fast track the conclusion of Pakistan-Turkey PTA.
He invited Turkish investors to make investments in Pakistan, adding that the country would welcome Turkish investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, housing, engineering, energy agriculture, telecommunication and mining.
The Turkish Ambassador assured the Prime Minister that he would work to further deepen cooperation between Pakistanand Turkey in all fields for benefit of peoples of two countries.

Istanbul University hosts ‘Asian Languages and Literatures Seminar’

ISTANBUL, 4 August 2012: The Istanbul University, Faculty of  Letters, Department of Urdu Language and Literature, organized a two days International Seminar on “Asian Writers and  Literatures in the West,” here from 1-2 August 2012.
Dr. Rizwanur Rahman, Dr. Akhtar Husain (India), Mr. Tasleem Ilahi Zulfi (Pakistani Canadian), Dr. Ziyad Alwarashdeh (Jordan), Dr. Rahman Moshtagh Mehr (Iran),  Dr. Halil Toker (host)  presented their valuable papers. Some prominent Turkish scholars like Dr. Husain Yazici, Dr. Davut Ibrahimoglu, Dr. Ali Guzelyuz, Dr. Ablullah Kizilcik, Dr. Eyup Saritas, Dr. Omer Ishakoglu, Mrs. Arzu Terzi etc. also attended the Seminar.
All scholarly presentations dealt with the elements of nostalgia in the writings of Asian writers. Leaving from homeland could happen in different ways like, on one’s own wish, pressure of the regime, restrictions on the freedom for any reason, and homeland invasion. In all these conditions, longing and yearning affect the whole life of the writer/poet.
To honor the visiting literary scholar from Canada, Mr. Tasleem Ilahi Zulfi, Head of Urdu Department of Istanbul University Prof. Dr. Halil Toker hosted the evening session of the Seminar.  The guest was later on awarded a shield of excellence. Mr. Zulfi later on presided over a multilingual poetry recitation.
Dr. M. Zahoor Sethi hosted a delicious “Iftar Dinner” for the participants.

ENDS

Tunç, K2’yi fethetti (Mr. Tunc from Turkey scales K-2 peak in Pakistan)


3 yıldır hiçbir dağcının kullanmayı göze alamadığı Abaruzzi rotası üzerinden tırmanan Tunç Fındık, dün sabah K2 Dağı’na Türk bayrağı dikti.

EVEREST’ten sonra dünyanın en yüksek ikinci, tırmanış zorluğu bakımından ise en zor dağı olan Himalayar’daki 8 bin 611 metrelik K2’ye dağcı Tunç Fındık dün sabah Türk bayrağı dikti.  Yüksek irtifa dağcılığı alanında Türkiye’nin en önemli isimlerinden biri olan Tunç Fındık, saat 10.50’de tırmanışı gerçekleştirdiğini sosyal paylaşım sitesi Facebook’tan bir arkadaşı aracılığıyla duyurdu. Fındık, 20 Haziran’da K2’ye tırmanmak için Pakistan’a gitmişti. Fındık’ın tırmanışı, 3 yıldır hiçbir dağcının göze alamadığı Abaruzzi rotası üzerinden yapılmış olması nedeniyle ayrı bir öneme sahip. Bu zirveye daha önce ünlü dağcı Nasuh Mahruki de tırmanmıştı.
Karakurum’da Pakistan-Çin sınırı üzerinde bulunan K2 Dağı, dünya dağcıları arasında en büyük cazibe merkezi olarak biliniyor.
Courtesy: Hurriyet http://hurarsiv.hurriyet.com.tr/goster/ShowNew.aspx?id=21116616

3 Climbers Summit K2
K2 was climbed by 23 members of the International Seven Summit team in the early hours of July 31, 2012 via the Abruzzi Ridge. 10 Sherpas from Nepal, three Chinese, Azim from Iran, Fabrice from France and Tunc Findik from Turkey are said to be among those who reached the summit in group led by Chhang Dawa Sherpa. This is an incredible feat on K2 which had defied success from Pakistan side for last three years.  Few more from other teams are said to have reached the summit but the names are not available putting the total to the maximum number of 23 ever reaching K2 summit in a single day.
 
The last success on K2 in 2008 was marred by tragedy as 11 people from different nationalities lost their lives in avalanches, exposure and other mysterious circumstances. Several Sherpas lost their lives attempting to rescue the trapped climbers around the elusive Bottleneck that is famous for ice avalanches high on the Abruzzi Ridge.   
Mingma Sherpa was the first Nepalese to have climbed all 14 eight thousand meter peaks in the world. While supporting his elder brother and chasing his own dreams Chhang Dawa Sherpa also crowned 12 of these peaks. Dawa led this large international team of 16 Nepalese Sherpas to achieve his last Karakoram peak and reached the top of K2 today at around 10am, followed by his colleagues.
Speaking from the summit, Dawa gave the brief details of their success to Nazir Sabir Expeditions office who were handling the team in Pakistan. He was ecstatic about this great success and informed many of the team members were already at camp four while others were descending there. 
Meanwhile famous Chinese lady climber Ms. Wang Jing and her counterpart Mr. Zhang Liang from China accompanied by two Sherpas also got up Broad Peak summit around the same time as K2.