Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has paid tribute to the longstanding bond between Pakistan and Turkiye, highlighting the support Turkiye has provided in times of difficulty.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the Turkiye’s 102nd Republic Day, he said the Turkish President stood with Pakistan during the Pakistan–India conflict and praised President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a global example of progress, independence and leadership.

PM Shehbaz attended the National Day event as the guest of honour. The Turkish Ambassador, Irfan Nazir Oglu, conveyed a message from the Turkiye president to the gathering. The federal ministers, Atta Tarar and Abdul Aleem Khan, were also present.

Addressing the ceremony, PM Shehbaz congratulated the Turkish leadership and people on their national day. He observed that the flags of Pakistan and Turkiye were flying side by side in Islamabad and said the hearts of Pakistanis beat in solidarity with their Turkish brothers and sisters. He lauded Turkiye’s achievements, noting that the country’s journey of development and prosperity is marked by significant accomplishments.

He recalled that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk laid the foundations of modern Turkiye and emphasised that President Erdoğan’s leadership has established Turkiye as a model of progress, civilisation and cultural advancement.

The prime minister highlighted the deep religious and cultural ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, describing the relationship as one of affection and sincerity. He reiterated that Turkiye has stood by Pakistan in every difficulty, including the Pakistan–India war, during which the Turkish President supported Pakistan. He praised the Pakistan Armed Forces under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir for demonstrating strength against adversaries.

He said that Pakistan and Turkiye are "two bodies, one soul", advancing together in economic, strategic and defence cooperation. He recalled the visit of the Turkish president to Pakistan in 2010 to express solidarity during the devastating floods.