By Islamuddin Sajid
ISLAMABAD (AA) - Pakistan's caretaker prime minister congratulated the people of Türkiye on Sunday on their 100th anniversary.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said in his message that he, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, extends the warmest felicitations to the brotherly people of Türkiye on the auspicious occasion of the centenary of the Turkish Republic.
"As the Turkish Republic was first proclaimed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly, in Ankara on 29 October 1923, this momentous occasion also marked the culmination of the Turkish nation’s heroic struggle for freedom, led by the charismatic Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk," said Kakar.
"The resolute grit and determination of the Turkish nation to preserve their independence continues to inspire freedom loving people across the world," he said.
Acknowledging Türkiye’s remarkable journey, the Pakistani premier said during the last 100 years, Ankara has made impressive strides across all walks of life.
"Under the dynamic leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Türkiye’s economic transformation and its role to promote the mutually reinforcing goals of peace and prosperity are globally recognized.
"As the Turkish Republic marks its centennial, we, in Pakistan, rejoice with our Turkish brothers and sisters on their innumerable accomplishments," he said.
Karkar added that relations have continued to grow from strength to strength with every passing day.
"Undoubtedly, the unique aspect of Pakistan-Türkiye relationship is that it beats in the hearts of two peoples," Kakar said, adding that Islamabad and Ankara have stood by each other in every trial and tribulation -- from the devastating earthquake that hit southern Türkiye in February, to massive floods in Pakistan in 2010 and 2022, and the earthquake in 2005.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s abiding commitment to further cement multidimensional strategic ties with Türkiye, especially in the economic domain.
"We have already taken concrete steps to this end including signing the Trade in Goods Agreement (TGA) and the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF). Undoubtedly, robust economic partnership and strengthened connectivity will serve as important pillars to steer our bilateral relationship in the days and years ahead," he said.
"The people of Pakistan pray for continued prosperity and progress of the Turkish nation during the second century of the great Turkish Republic and may the special relationship between our two nations continue to flourish in all times to come," added Kakar.