ISLAMABAD, Thursday, January 29, 2026 (WNP): The Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) on Thursday hosted a special literary and cultural event to honor renowned Turkish writer, scholar, and researcher Professor Dr. Halil Toker (Sitara-e-Imtiaz), in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to language and literature, particularly the promotion and study of Urdu.

The ceremony brought together leading figures from Pakistan’s cultural, academic, and diplomatic circles, reflecting the significance of Dr. Toker’s work in strengthening intellectual and cultural ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. The chief guests on the occasion were Huzaifa Rehman, Minister of State for National Heritage and Culture Division, and Dr. Irfan Neziroglu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Pakistan.

Guests of honor included Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training and the National Heritage and Culture Division; Dr. Mehmet Toyran, Educational Counsellor at the Turkish Embassy in Pakistan; and Dr. Kamran Jahangir, Managing Director of the National Book Foundation. The event was moderated by senior literary figure Munir Fayyaz.

In his address, Minister of State Huzaifa Rehman paid tribute to Dr. Toker’s lifelong services to Urdu literature, describing them as invaluable and lasting.

He said institutions such as the Pakistan Academy of Letters play a pivotal role in projecting Pakistan’s soft image globally, adding that honoring Dr. Toker underscored the Academy’s commitment to literary excellence and cultural diplomacy.

Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar said Dr. Toker’s tireless efforts had created a strong and enduring literary and cultural bridge between Türkiye and Pakistan. She described him as a true ambassador of Pakistan and Urdu literature in Türkiye, whose work would continue to inspire future generations of scholars and writers.

Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu noted that Pakistan–Türkiye relations were growing stronger with each passing day, and that literature and culture were adding new depth and dimension to this historic partnership. He said Dr. Toker’s scholarly contributions exemplified the shared cultural and intellectual heritage of the two nations.

Dr. Mehmet Toyran highlighted the importance of educational and literary linkages as platforms for mutual learning and cooperation, saying Dr. Toker’s work had played a vital role in promoting academic exchange and cultural understanding between Pakistan and Türkiye.

Speaking on behalf of the National Book Foundation, Managing Director Dr. Kamran Jahangir emphasized that books, reading, and literature form the strongest foundations for intellectual connectivity between nations. He said the National Book Foundation, in collaboration with the Pakistan Academy of Letters, would continue to expand joint initiatives to strengthen literary ties.

In her introductory remarks, Dr. Najeeba Arif, Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, highlighted Dr. Toker’s deep spiritual and intellectual attachment to Pakistan. She said his selfless services to Urdu literature were a powerful reminder that literature transcends geographical and political boundaries. She welcomed the distinguished guests and outlined the Academy’s mission to promote literature as a tool for cultural dialogue and understanding.

At the conclusion of the event, the chief guests and other dignitaries presented Dr. Halil Toker with a commemorative shield in recognition of his contributions.

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Toker said the love and respect he had received from Pakistan were among his most cherished assets. He described his relationship with Urdu language and literature as not merely academic, but deeply emotional and spiritual. He thanked the Pakistan Academy of Letters and all participants for organizing the event in his honor and reaffirmed his commitment to continuing his work to further strengthen literary and cultural ties between Pakistan and Türkiye.