The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, in partnership with the National Book Foundation and the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center, held the prize distribution for the National Essay Writing Competition 2025 in Islamabad, showcasing Pakistan Türkiye relations to a national university audience.
The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, H.E. Dr. Irfan Neziroglu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Pakistan, Dr. Kamran Jahangir, Managing Director of the National Book Foundation, senior officials, representatives of academic and cultural institutions, teachers, parents and participating students.
Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu said the competition was organised both to celebrate the centuries-old fraternal bond and to honour the memory of two Turkish engineers, Cenk Yakın and Ufuk Arslan, who were martyred during a relief mission in Balakot after the 2005 earthquake. He noted that the event reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan Türkiye relations and cited the establishment of a “Shura of Fraternity” agreed during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit as a practical step toward deeper social, cultural and academic cooperation.
The ambassador paid tribute to shared historical figures and heroes who link the two countries, including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the Ali Brothers of the Khilafat Movement and Abdurrahman Peshawari, and stressed the importance of passing that shared legacy to future generations through education and awareness.
Special appreciation was expressed for Anatolia Travel Services for facilitating visa-related support and for Mr. Halil Toker, Country Director of the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center, for his contributions to strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.
Minister of State Wajiha Qamar welcomed the initiative and underlined that Pakistan Türkiye relations are rooted in shared history, faith and values. She highlighted the role of youth and writing in shaping narratives, encouraged students to view themselves as future diplomats and scholars, and praised Turkish scholarship opportunities that offer academic exposure and long-term connections for Pakistani students.
The prize winners were announced and honoured on stage with commendations for their research and writing. First Prize went to Maryam Batool of Akhuwat College for Women, Chakwal. Second Prize was awarded to Izza Naeem of the University of Management & Technology, Lahore. Third Prize was given to Muhammad Aariz Zafar of the Pakistan Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar.
Organisers and speakers reiterated a renewed commitment to deepen Pakistan Türkiye relations through education, cultural exchange and youth engagement, with the competition presented as an example of how academic initiatives can sustain long-term bilateral friendship.
