ISLAMABAD, Thursday, June 18, 2026 (WNP): Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan Irfan Neziroğlu on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, while emphasizing enhanced cooperation in religious affairs, cultural heritage, interfaith harmony and regional peace.
The understanding was reached during a meeting held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in Islamabad.
The meeting was attended by Türkiye’s Religious Affairs Attaché Dr. Abdurrahman Akkuş, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) Country Coordinator Saliha Tuna, a representative of the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay), and senior officials.
Welcoming the Turkish delegation, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf highlighted the deep-rooted historical, religious and cultural bonds between Pakistan and Türkiye, saying the relationship between the two nations transcends diplomacy and is founded on shared faith, common civilizational values and enduring people-to-people ties.
“The people of Pakistan and Türkiye are bound together through religion, a shared cultural heritage and the teachings of great Muslim scholars and saints. Our relationship is not merely diplomatic; it is a genuine brotherhood in which both nations stand together in times of joy and adversity,” the minister said.
He paid tribute to the efforts of the Turkish leadership in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and strengthening unity among the Muslim Ummah.
The minister also briefed the Turkish ambassador on Pakistan’s peace-oriented foreign policy and highlighted the diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in promoting regional peace and stability.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf stressed that, in view of contemporary global challenges, there was a greater need than ever to promote the teachings and Seerah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
He emphasized the importance of connecting younger generations with Islamic teachings, moderation, tolerance and moral values to build a peaceful, balanced and inclusive society.
Ambassador Irfan Neziroğlu described the longstanding Pakistan-Türkiye friendship as a valuable asset for both countries and said Türkiye regarded Pakistan’s peace, stability and prosperity as vital for the strength and unity of the Muslim world.
He said Türkiye remained committed to expanding cooperation with Pakistan across diverse sectors and noted that more than 700 humanitarian and development projects had been completed throughout Pakistan with Turkish support.
The ambassador also appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, saying greater cooperation and unity among Muslim countries were essential to address the challenges confronting the Islamic world.
Members of the Turkish delegation reaffirmed that Türkiye had always stood by the people of Pakistan and considered it a responsibility to support its brotherly nation in difficult times.
They expressed confidence that the two countries would continue to strengthen cooperation and partnership at both governmental and public levels, opening new avenues for shared development and prosperity.
TİKA Country Coordinator Saliha Tuna said she and Ambassador Irfan Neziroğlu had the pleasure of meeting the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
She said the Turkish delegation briefed the minister on TİKA’s development cooperation initiatives across Pakistan and exchanged views on future collaboration, particularly in the preservation and promotion of the shared cultural and religious heritage of Pakistan and Türkiye.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their resolve to further expand bilateral cooperation in religious affairs, cultural diplomacy, humanitarian assistance and people-to-people exchanges, reflecting the enduring strategic partnership between the two brotherly countries.
