Tarar reaffirms Pakistan’s ‘enduring brotherhood’ with Türkiye at Democracy Day Commemoration

• Information Minister says Pakistan-Türkiye ties, rooted in history, must be preserved for future generations

• Pays tribute to President Erdoğan's leadership and martyrs of July 15, 2016, lauding Turkish nation's resilience in defending democracy

• Says bilateral partnership has grown stronger through enduring people-to-people bonds

• Reiterates Pakistan's support for Türkiye on Northern Cyprus, recalls Ankara's backing on Kashmir

 ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to its historic and deep-rooted brotherly ties with Türkiye, saying the enduring bond forged by the forefathers of both nations transcended the creation of Pakistan and must be preserved and strengthened for future generations.

We held a commemoration program at our Embassy on the occasion of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, with the participation of the Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan, Mr. Attaullah Tarar. In addition to our citizens, ambassadors from friendly… pic.twitter.com/ScifVX5VuG

— Türkiye in Pakistan (@TC_IslamabadBE) July 15, 2026

Addressing a ceremony commemorating Türkiye's 10th Democracy and National Solidarity Day, the minister said the relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye was founded on shared history, mutual trust and unwavering support during times of trial, making it one of the strongest and most enduring bilateral partnerships in the Muslim world.

He recalled that the Muslims of the subcontinent stood shoulder to shoulder with the Turkish leadership during Türkiye's War of Independence, while women from the region extended generous support to their Turkish brothers and sisters in their hour of need.

"This is something that has been passed on to us through the generations," he said, adding, "our elders have given us these stories as part of our inheritance."

Reflecting on his upbringing, Tarar said he had grown up listening to inspiring accounts of the historic bonds between the two nations and the sacrifices made by earlier generations to support Türkiye.

"While growing up, we learnt about the contributions that have been made over time and decades," he remarked.

"The Muslims of the subcontinent, when Pakistan did not exist, had this great feeling of brotherhood for their Turkish brothers and sisters," he said, emphasizing that the relationship had only grown stronger with the passage of time.

The minister said he had personally participated in numerous high-level interactions between the two countries and witnessed first-hand the expanding strategic partnership, while also highlighting the remarkable growth in people-to-people contacts.

Referring to the line from Pakistan's national anthem, "Parcham-e-Sitara-o-Hilal, Rahbari Tarraqi-o-Kamal," which signifies that the flag bearing the star and crescent symbolizes progress and glory, Tarar said both countries shared the same star and crescent as enduring symbols of prosperity, progress and friendship.

Paying tribute to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the minister praised his leadership in steering Türkiye towards prosperity, economic transformation and enhanced military strength.

He said the confidence of the Turkish people in their leadership enabled them to stand firmly with their government during one of the country's most challenging moments.

Speaking about Democracy and National Solidarity Day, Tarar lauded President Erdoğan's resolve during the failed coup attempt, recalling his televised message to the nation in which he declared: "I am coming to Istanbul and we will fight together to save our nation and to stand united."

The minister said the address proved to be a defining moment, inspiring thousands of Turkish citizens to take to the streets in defence of democracy and constitutional order.

He also paid rich tribute to the 250 martyrs who laid down their lives with courage and bravery while defending the Turkish Republic, saying their sacrifices had become an enduring symbol of national resilience and democratic resolve.

Tarar said those sacrifices had not gone in vain, as capitals across the world, including Islamabad, continued to express solidarity with the families of the martyrs and the people of Türkiye.

Highlighting the close diplomatic understanding between the two countries, the minister reiterated that Pakistan had consistently supported Türkiye's position on Northern Cyprus, while Türkiye had steadfastly backed Pakistan's principled stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Recalling the events of July 15, 2016, Tarar said he vividly remembered seeing a young Dr. Irfan Neziroğlu standing courageously inside the Turkish Parliament while the building came under attack, and praised the services rendered by the current Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan during that critical period.

"On this day, when the Turkish nation not only achieved one of its greatest moments of courage and sacrifice, they also left a timeless message for future generations—that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going," he remarked.

Expressing hope that the sacrifices of the martyrs would continue to inspire the Turkish nation, he said they had strengthened Türkiye's resolve and paved the way for greater unity, resilience and progress.

The minister also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Turkish leadership for its consistent expressions of solidarity and affection towards the people of Pakistan.

He thanked the people of Türkiye for the warmth and hospitality they always extended to Pakistanis visiting their country.

"Pakistan has, and Pakistan will always, stand by its Turkish brothers and sisters, as we have demonstrated on every occasion," he stressed.

Concluding his address on a personal note, Tarar recalled his grandfather's visit to Türkiye as President of Pakistan in 1998, saying the visit remained one of his family's cherished memories.

He said he still possessed memorable photographs from that visit, during which his grandfather was received by the then Turkish President Süleyman Demirel.

"So, when I say that these memories and these stories have been passed on to us through the generations, we have actually kept them very dear to our heart, just as one treasures a precious legacy," he added.