Presidents of Pakistan and Turkey participate in the launching of the 1st MILGEM Class Corvette for Pakistan Navy

Launching ceremony of the first MILGEM class corvette (PNS Babur) for Pakistan Navy was held today at Istanbul Naval Shipyard (INSY). President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi and President of the Republic of Turkey Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan graced the occasion as chief guests.   

Mrs Samina Alvi, the First Lady launched the warship with a prayer. Both Presidents also jointly performed steel cutting of Akhisar, the offshore patrol vessel for Turkish Navy.   

Addressing the ceremony, President Dr. Arif Alvi said that both countries shared common objectives of promoting peace, stability and development in their respective regions. He highlighted that Pakistan and Turkey were further strengthening their cooperation across various spheres, particularly in defence, to deal with common challenges and new and emerging threats. 

 Thanking Turkey for construction of the PNS Babur within the timeline, the President emphasized that this project is a testimony of strong relations and expressed the hope that it would further boost defence collaboration between the two brotherly countries. President Dr. Arif Alvi lauded Turkey’s continuing support on Kashmir dispute and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support to Turkey on the Cyprus issue.   

In his address, President Erdoğan said that Turkey and Pakistan brotherhood and friendship is deep rooted in history and the people of Turkey have a special place in their hearts for Pakistan. He highlighted the enhanced collaboration between the two countries in various fields including defence production. He said despite the pandemic, Pakistan-Turkey bilateral trade is improving. He hoped that economic ties would further improve. President Erdogan stressed the need to closely work together to promote regional peace and stability including in Afghanistan.   

Speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly Mustafa Sentop, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay, Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan Admiral M Amjad Khan Niazi, alongwith senior Turkish defence officials, including Defence Minister Hulusi Akar, Chief of the Turkish General Staff General Yaşar Güler and Commander of Turkish Naval Forces Admiral Adnan Özbal also attended the ceremony.   

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Niazi in his remarks lauded the great achievement of MILGEM project. 

Earlier, upon his arrival at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, the President was received by Turkish President Erdogan and was presented a guard of honour. 

 The contract for four MILGEM Class Corvettes for Pakistan Navy was signed in 2018. Under the contract, two ships were to be constructed at Istanbul Naval Shipyard and other two at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works. Induction of MILGEM warships in Pakistan Navy arsenal will augment Pakistan Navy’s capability and contribute in its efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Pakistan and Turkey have reiterated their desire to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, particularly defence.

Pakistan and Turkey have reiterated their desire to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, particularly defence. Both sides emphasized the need to work together to overcome the challenges being faced by the Islamic World. This was discussed during a meeting between President Dr Arif Alvi and the visiting Turkish Defence Minister, General (R) Hulusi AKAR, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr Islamabad on 11 August. 

Welcoming the Turkish Defence Minister, the President said that Pakistan attached great importance to its ties with Turkey as both countries had long history of fraternal relations, based on common faith, values and mutual trust. He stated that Turkey was a brother and great friend which had always supported Pakistan at difficult times. He thanked the Turkish leadership for supporting Pakistan at the international fora on issues of core national interest, such as the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, FATF and NSG. 

The President appreciated the increasing defence cooperation between the two countries and expressed the hope that the signing of agreement on military training cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey, during the visit of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan in February 2020, would further enhance defence cooperation between the two sides. He reiterated Pakistan’s continued support to Turkey on Cyprus. 

The meeting also exchanged views over the current situation in Afghanistan. The President informed that Pakistan was making sincere efforts to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan as Pakistan would be the major beneficiary of peace which had suffered a lot due to prolonged war in the neighbouring country. The President also highlighted the human rights violations being committed by India against the Muslim population of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). He urged the International community to play its role to resolve the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions. He deeply thanked Turkey for supporting Pakistan’s stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. 

The meeting also underlined the need for unity among the Muslim countries to address the challenge of animosity against Islam. General (R) Hulusi AKAR said that Pakistan was a brotherly country and Turkey wanted to enhance bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in various fields, particularly defence. He said that Turkey would continue to support Pakistan on Kashmir. The Turkish Defence Minister delivered an invitation to President Dr Arif Alvi from his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to visit Turkey. 

Turkish Minister of National Defence calls on the Prime Minister of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, 11 August 2021: Turkish Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar, called on Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan today.

Welcoming the delegation, Prime Minister Imran Khan highlighted historic fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkey, marked by unique mutual trust and mutual support.

The Prime Minister conveyed his cordial greetings for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the brotherly Turkish people.

The Prime Minister also expressed deep concern over the forest fires in Turkey, reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity, and reiterated readiness to extend all possible assistance to help cope with this calamity.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the existing level of bilateral defence cooperation. Prime Minister Imran Khan also thanked for Turkey’s strong and consistent support to Pakistan on all issues, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

On regional issues, Prime Minister Imran Khan shared Pakistan’s perspective on the Afghan peace process. Underlining that a negotiated political settlement was the only way forward, the Prime Minister expressed hope that the Afghan leaders would recognize the importance of international convergence on the way forward and achieve an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement. The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan will continue to make every effort to help advance the Afghan peace process and to realize a political solution.    

The Turkish Minister for Defence conveyed warm greetings from President Erdogan and reiterated Turkey’s support to Pakistan on all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. He concurred with Prime Minister Imran Khan on enhancing cooperation in all areas to the mutual benefit of both the countries, inlcuding in the defence field. He also underlined Turkey’s efforts to promote a political solution in Afghanistan.

Mr. Hulusi Akar is visiting Islamabad as part of frequent high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Turkey for consultations on important bilateral and regional issues.

 

Turkish Government revises quarantine rules for current students and residence/work permit holders traveling from Pakistan to Turkey

 ANKARA, 6 August 2021: The Turkish Government has revised quarantine rules for travellers arriving from Pakistan.  

At the request of this Embassy and keeping in view the hardships faced by Pakistani students who will be joining their academic institutions in Turkey after summer break, they will be allowed to undergo the mandatory quarantine of 10 days at the designated dormitories instead of private hotels. This rule is effective from today till 1 September 2021. 

 

Students will be quarantined at the Higher Education Credit and Hostels Institution (KYK)’s Muhteşem Süleyman Dormitory in Istanbul and Tahsin Banguoğlu KYK Dormitory in Ankara. A valid student identification document showing that they study higher education in Turkey would be required. Pakistani students studying at universities based in provinces other than Istanbul or Ankara, will only be able to travel to the provinces where their registered universities are based after the end of the quarantine period in KYK dormitories in Istanbul or Ankara.

 

Those coming from Pakistan who have valid residence and work permit will be exempted from hotel quarantine and will spend their mandatory quarantine period in their residence. However, such persons will only be allowed to go to their residence by private vehicle and cannot use domestic flights or public transportation.

 

Other than current students and holders of Turkish residence or work permit, those coming from Pakistan for visit or tourism purposes, will be quarantined at the designated private hotels as per previous practice.

 

The Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara conveys deep appreciation and gratitude to the relevant authorities who amended quarantine rules on our request. The Pakistan Missions in Turkey are available to assist our nationals to the best of our abilities.

Keşmir Kuşatma Günü Ankara'da düzenlendi, ezilen Keşmirlilere verilen destek yeniden teyit edildi

ANKARA, 5 Ağustos 2021: Ankara'daki Pakistan Büyükelçiliği bugün Ankara'da "Keşmir Kuşatma Günü'nü" anmak için düzenlenen bir olayda Yasadışı Hint İşgalindeki Cammu ve Keşmir'in (IIOJK) ezilen halkıyla dayanışma gösterisinde bulundu.  Bu olaya sivil toplum temsilcileri, düşünce kuruluşları ve Ankara'da yaşayan Keşmirliler katıldı.  

Cumhurbaşkanının ve Başbakanın mesajları Elçilik Müsteşarı Arshad Jan Pathan tarafından okundu.  Ezilen Keşmirlilerle dayanışma gösteren Pakistanlı liderler mesajlarında uluslararası topluluğa IIOJK'deki korkunç insan hakları ihlallerinden Hindistan'ı sorumlu tutması çağrısında bulundular ve Güney Asya'da barış ve istikrarın anahtarı olan bu anlaşmazlığı çözmek için bir plebisit düzenlenmesini istediler.  Hem Cumhurbaşkanı hem de Başbakan dedi ki, IIOJK'deki Hint zalimlikleri yeni ikamet kanunları ve arazi sahipliği kanunları yoluyla işgal altındaki bölgenin demografik yapısını değiştirmek isteyen yükselen Hindu Faşizminin ifade biçimleridir.  IIOJK halkı Hintli İşgal Güçleri tarafından toplu olarak cezalandırılmaya maruz kalmaktadır ve buda bölgeyi dünyadaki en fazla militarize olmuş yer haline çevirmiştir.  Pakistan liderleri vazgeçilmez kendi kaderlerini belirleme haklarını gerçekleştirene kadar ve Cammu ve Keşmir anlaşmazlığına ilgili BMGK kararları ve Keşmir halkının isteklerine göre adil bir çözüm bulunana kadar Keşmirlilere sağlam desteklerini sürdüreceklerini yeniden teyit etti.   

 

Türk parlamentosundaki Asya Parlamenterler Birliği Grubunun Başkanı da olan Türk Parlamenter Sn. Asuman Erdoğan baskı altındaki Keşmirlilere Türkiye'nin desteğini yeniden teyit etti.  Keşmir'deki Hintli işgal güçlerinin insan hakları ihlallerini ve zulmünü lanetleyen Sn. erdoğan, Türkiye'nin Keşmirlilerin önemli davasına sağlam bir destek vermeye devam edeceğini söyledi.   

 

Büyükelçi Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi konuşmasında Türk milletine ve liderlerine IIOJK'deki baskı altında bulunan Keşmirlilere verdikleri sarsılmaz destek için teşekkür etti.  Kendisi uluslararası topluluğa öne çıkması ve Keşmirlilerin isteğine göre BM Güvenlik Konseyi Kararlarında da belirtildiği gibi bir plebisit düzenlemek yoluyla bu anlaşmazlığı çözmesi için çağrıda bulundu.

Kashmir Youm-e-Istehsal event in held in Ankara, reiterates support to the oppressed Kashmiris

ANKARA, 5 August 2021: The Embassy of Pakistan Ankara organized an event to observe “Youm-e-Istehsal” as a show of solidarity with the oppressed people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), held today in Ankara. Representatives of civil society, media, think-tanks, and Kashmiris living in Ankara attended the event.

Messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out by Deputy Head of Mission Arshad Jan Pathan. Showing solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris, Pakistani leadership in their messages urged the international community to hold India accountable for gross human rights violations in the IIOJK and hold a plebiscite to settle the dispute which is key to peace and stability in South Asia. Both the President and the Prime Minister said that the Indian atrocities in IIOJK are a manifestation of rising Hindu Fascism that wants to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory through new domicile rules and new land ownership laws. The people of IIOJK are being subjected to collective punishment by the Indian Occupation Forces, which have turned the territory into the largest militarized zone in the world. Pakistani leadership reaffirmed continuation of its steadfast support to Kashmiris till the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination and a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

 

Turkish Parliamentarian Ms. Asuman Erdoğan, who is also Chairperson of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly Group in the Turkish Parliament, reiterated Turkey’s support for the oppressed Kashmiris. Condemning the human rights violations and oppression of Indian occupation forces in Kashmir, Ms Erdoğan said that Turkey would remain steadfast in its support for the genuine cause of the Kashmiris. 

 

Ambassador Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi in his speech thanked the Turkish nation and the leadership for their unwavering support for the oppressed Kashmiris in IIOJK. He urged the international community to come forward and play their role in resolving this dispute as per the wishes of the Kashmiris through a plebiscite as enshrined in the UN Security Council Resolutions.

Pakistan Başbakanı İmran Han'ın Türk Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan'a hain 15 Temmuz 2016 darbesinin 5. yıldönümü için gönderdiği mesaj

Pakistan Hükümeti ve halkı adına ve kendi adıma 'Demokrasi ve Milli Birlik Gününde' kardeş Türkiye Hükümeti ve halkıyla dayanışma duygularımı yeniden teyit etmek isterim.

Tarih beş yıl önce bugün Türk halkının nasıl karakteristik direncini ve yiğitliğini gösterip Türkiye'de barış ve istikrarı ve aynı zamanda demokratik kurumlarını hedef almak isteyenleri yendiğini anacaktır.  Bugün aynı zamanda tüm Pakistan ulusunun tek bir ses olup Türkiye'de demokrasiyi ve refaha giden yolu baltalamak isteyenlerin girişimlerine karşı geldiği gündür.

Bugün Pakistan halkının Türk halkına katılıp şehitlerini onurlandırdığı ve ailelerine destek olduğu gündür.

Pakistan ve Türkiye arasındaki kardeşçe ve çok boyutlu ilişkilerin eşi benzeri yoktur ve zamanın sınamasından geçmiştir.  Pakistan halkı ve Hükümeti her zaman olduğu gibi Türkiye Hükümeti halkına ulusal güvenlik, barış ve refah arayışında güçlü desteklerini yinelemektedir ve her zaman onlarla paylaştığı bu hedeflere varması için yanlarında durmaya devam edecektir.

Dualarımız ve en iyi dileklerimiz barışa ve refaha ve en büyük zaferlere yürüyüşünüz sırasında sizlerle ve Türk halkıyla beraberdir. 

Text of the message of Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan addressed to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the 5th anniversary of failed 15 July 2016 coup.

On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, and on my own behalf, I would like to reaffirm our solidarity with the brotherly people and Government of Turkey on the occasion of ‘Democracy and National Unity Day.’

History will remember how five years ago, on this day, the Turkish people displayed their characteristic resilience and gallantry to defy those who wanted to target Turkey’s peace and stability as well as its democratic institutions. It was also the day when the entire Pakistani nation spoke with one voice against the attempt to undermine Turkey’s democracy and progress towards prosperity.

Today the people of Pakistan join the people of Turkey in honouring the martyrs and supporting their families.  

The historic, fraternal and multi-dimensional relations between Pakistan and Turkey are without parallel and have withstood the test of time. The people and the Government of Pakistan reiterate their strong support for the Government and the people of Turkey in their quest for national security, peace and prosperity, and as always, will continue to stand by them towards the achievement of these shared goals

Our prayers and best wishes are with you and the people of Turkey in your march towards peace and prosperity, and ever greater glory.

Turkish Land Forces Commander calls on Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan

General Umit DUNDAR, Commander Turkish Land Forces called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ, Rawalpindi on 5th July 2021. 

During the meeting, matters of mutual and professional interest with special emphasis on defence and security collaboration between the two brotherly countries were discussed. COAS said that we highly value our brotherly relations with Turkey which are deeply rooted in history and entrenched in our cultural and religious affinities. Both sides agreed to further optimize military to military ties particularly in training and counter-terrorism domains. The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan Army's role for regional peace and stability and contributions towards defeating terrorism. 

Earlier on arrival, Commander Turkish Land Forces was also presented with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned out military contingent.

President of Pakistan confers Pakistan's highest military award upon commander of the Turkish Land Forces

President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) award on Commander of Turkish Land Forces General Umit Dundar at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on 5th July 2021.

The conferment was made at a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr to recognize of the meritorious services of General Umit Dundar in strengthening of Pakistan-Turkish ties. Started with national anthem and recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, the ceremony was attended by First Lady Samina Alvi, senior officials of the armed forces and Turkish Ambassador in Pakistan Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul. 

As per the citation read out at the ceremony, General Umit Dundar graduated from the Army War College in 1985, from Royal Army Staff College (United Kingdom) in 1991, and from the Armed Forces College in 1994. He served as the Chief of Construction, Real Estate and NATO Infrastructure Department of the Ministry of National Defense from 2001 to 2004 and as the Commander of 28th Mechanized Infantry Brigade from 2004 to 2005. During this period he also served as the Commander of the Multinational Brigade in Afghanistan. He was promoted to the rank of major general in 2005, lieutenant general in 2009 and general in 2013. He served as the Commander of the 3rd Army for two years and subsequently he served as the Commander of the 1st Army. He served as the Acting Chief of the General Staff for a brief period in 2016. General Ümit Dündar served as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff from 2016 to 2018. He was appointed as the Commander of the Turkish Land Forces by the Turkish President in July 2018. The ceremony was told that General Ümit Dündar was a sincere and close friend of Pakistan who played role in strengthening of Pakistan-Turkish ties.