ISLAMABAD (MNN); The National Essay Writing Competition 2025, organised under the theme “Pakistan–Türkiye Relations: A Timeless Bond,” concluded with a prize distribution ceremony in Islamabad. The competition was jointly organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, the National Book Foundation (NBF) of Pakistan and the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center, with participation from university students across the country.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar, Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Irfan Neziroglu, Managing Director of the National Book Foundation Dr Kamran Jahangir, along with senior government officials, representatives of academic and cultural institutions, teachers, parents and students.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Dr Irfan Neziroglu said the essay competition was launched with two key objectives: to highlight and celebrate the deep-rooted, centuries-old brotherly relationship between Türkiye and Pakistan, and to honour the memory of Turkish engineers Cenk Yakın and Ufuk Arslan, who embraced martyrdom while carrying out relief work in Balakot after the devastating 2005 earthquake.
The ambassador recalled that during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Islamabad last year, both countries had agreed to establish a “Shura of Fraternity” to enhance cooperation in social, cultural and academic fields. He said the essay competition was a practical manifestation of that shared vision and an example of people-to-people engagement between the two nations.
Dr Neziroglu also paid tribute to shared heroes and historical figures admired in both countries, including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the Ali Brothers of the Khilafat Movement and Abdurrahman Peshawari. He stressed that preserving and transferring this shared historical legacy to future generations through education and intellectual engagement was of utmost importance. He congratulated all participating students and prize winners for their creativity, dedication and thoughtful contributions.
The ambassador expressed gratitude to Anatolia Travel Services for facilitating visa-related support and acknowledged the efforts of Halil Toker, Country Director of the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center, for his role in promoting cultural ties between Türkiye and Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State Wajiha Qamar welcomed the distinguished guests and praised the organisers for holding a meaningful and timely initiative under the patronage of the Turkish Embassy. She said Pakistan–Türkiye relations are built on shared history, faith, values and mutual respect, making them a unique example of genuine people-to-people brotherhood.
The minister highlighted the importance of youth and writing in shaping national and international narratives. She encouraged students to see themselves as future diplomats, scholars and leaders who would further strengthen bilateral ties. She also appreciated Türkiye’s scholarship programmes and academic opportunities for Pakistani students, noting that such exchanges broaden perspectives and build lifelong connections.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to international academic cooperation, Wajiha Qamar said education remains the strongest bridge between societies. She urged students to continue reading, writing, learning foreign languages—particularly Turkish—and engaging confidently with global cultures.
At the end of the ceremony, prizes were awarded to outstanding participants. Maryam Batool of Akhuwat College for Women, Chakwal, won first prize, followed by Izza Naeem of the University of Management and Technology, Lahore, who secured second position. The third prize went to Muhammad Aariz Zafar of the Pakistan Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge to further strengthen Pakistan–Türkiye friendship through education, culture and youth engagement, reaffirming the enduring and timeless bond between the two countries.
