ISLAMABAD

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday hailed Islamabad's deep-rooted and historic ties with Ankara and praised Türkiye's remarkable journey of progress and development.

Addressing a ceremony at the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad to mark the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, Sharif said Turkish flags are fluttering across Pakistan, indicating that "our hearts beat with our Turkish brothers and sisters."

“We are gathered here to celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, founded by the great Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,” Sharif said.

The event was attended by federal ministers, senior officials, diplomats, and members of the Turkish community, as major buildings in the capital city were illuminated with Turkish flags.

Pakistani Premier lauded Türkiye’s remarkable journey of progress and development under the visionary leadership of Ataturk and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling Erdogan “a leading light of progress, development, and resilience.”

Sharif recalled the centuries-old ties between the peoples of the two nations and praised Türkiye’s steadfast support for Pakistan “in wars, floods, earthquakes, and every difficult time.”

He added that Türkiye always helped Pakistan after devastating floods and earthquakes while building schools, hospitals, and villages in flood-hit areas.

Highlighting the growing strategic partnership, Sharif said both nations have agreed to “share happiness and sorrows” and support each other on international issues.

He thanked Türkiye for backing the people of Gaza and Kashmir, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Türkiye’s stance on Northern Cyprus.

“Pakistan and Türkiye are not just friends… we are brothers forever,” Sharif concluded.

Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Irfan Neziroglu also spoke on the occasion and read out President Erdogan's message.

On Oct. 29, 1923, Ataturk officially declared the nation’s name and proclaimed the country's status as a republic.

The Turkish Grand National Assembly then voted unanimously to make Ataturk, a revolutionary statesman, the country's first president.

Türkiye has since celebrated Republic Day every Oct. 29, one of the most important annual commemorations in the country.