In Islamabad on June 18, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf received the Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan, Irfan Neziroglu, to discuss measures for deepening bilateral relations, promoting interfaith harmony, and expanding religious and cultural cooperation.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdurrahman Akkuş, Religious Affairs Attache, Ms. Saliha Tuna, Country Head of TIKA Pakistan, and a representative of the Turkish Red Crescent (Turk Kızılay), reflecting a broad interest in both government and civil society collaboration to strengthen Turkiye Pakistan ties.
The minister highlighted the long-standing historical and spiritual bonds between the two countries, noting shared values, a common Sufi heritage and the continuing influence of Sufi saints in linking peoples across borders. He praised Turkiye’s role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and briefed the ambassador on Pakistan’s diplomatic and security contributions, citing the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir toward regional stability.
Emphasising the need to guide younger generations, the minister called for renewed focus on the teachings of the Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) as a means to foster moderation, tolerance and moral character. Strengthening educational and cultural initiatives was presented as key to building a balanced and peaceful society and reinforcing Turkiye Pakistan ties at the grassroots level.
Ambassador Neziroglu described the fraternal relations with Pakistan as a valuable asset and reiterated Turkiye’s view that Pakistan’s stability contributes to the resilience of the wider Muslim Ummah. He underlined ongoing Turkish cooperation across multiple sectors and noted that more than 700 welfare and development projects have been completed in Pakistan.
Representatives of the Turkish delegation reaffirmed their commitment to stand by the people of Pakistan in challenging times, calling it a duty of brotherhood. Both sides expressed a clear desire to intensify government-to-government and people-to-people engagement to advance shared goals of development, prosperity and regional cooperation, further consolidating Turkiye Pakistan ties.
