Rawalpindi: Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Pacaci, emphasized the robust and special relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye, rooted in the spirit of brotherhood, shared history, and common objectives. Both governments and peoples of the two countries have consistently supported each other during challenging times.
Dr. Pacaci made these remarks during his address at the Strategic Dialogue event titled “Middle Corridor of Turkey: Prospects and Challenges” held at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR). The event was organized by the Policy Dialogue Forum at PMAS-AAUR in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization, Research & Development (AIERD).
The Ambassador highlighted the crucial role of connectivity between Pakistan and Türkiye, underlining that the Middle Corridor is an initiative by the Türkiye government to establish a link between Türkiye and China. He also pointed out that the Middle Corridor offers numerous advantages for countries and sub-continents, such as opportunities for mutual cooperation, trade, and tourism.
While acknowledging the presence of border issues between the countries, Dr. Pacaci expressed optimism about resolving these matters and implementing a policy that would streamline travel and trade through the corridor with a single contract.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of expanding cooperation between Pakistani organizations and institutions in the fields of education, health, and women’s development.
In his welcome address, PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem highlighted the unique and centuries-old relationship between Türkiye and Pakistan, founded on brotherhood, shared history, and common goals. He expressed confidence that Pakistan could overcome challenges by drawing inspiration from Türkiye’s example and emphasized the potential for collaboration in education and research with Turkish universities and institutions to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Other speakers at the event included Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq (DG, Islamic Research Institute, IIUI), Prof. Dr. Abdul Saboor (Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences), Dr. Ghulam Hussain Babar, Director of the Policy Dialogue Forum at PMAS-AAUR, and Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization, Research & Development.
Faisal Azfar Alvi is Senior Journalist, Anchor, Lawyer and Poet based in Islamabad. He is Editor of The CatchLine and Urdu Daily Newspaper named Muballigh. He is also Chief Editor of AlifUrdu.pk.