Bismillah Irr Rehman Irr Raheem

Excellency Mr. Mehmet Pacaci!

Ambassador of the Brotherly Republic of Turkey!

Honourable Parliamentarians,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps!

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Assalam-o-Alikum!

It is indeed an honour, a distinct pride and an absolute pleasure to join my Turkish brothers and sisters in jointly celebrating the 6th anniversary of the July 15th’s failed Coup attempt.

 

The day reminds us of the memorable victory of the Turkish democracy over the dark forces of regression and repression. As, it was this glorious day when the entire Turkish nation stood like a rock side by side its elected and popularly chosen leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan when a cowardly attempt was made to de-track Turkey from its chosen path of democracy, people’s rule and people’s progress.

 

Those were indeed the critical moments when the entire world watched with awe and amaze, the rise of a brave nation;

  • When in the darkness of night, the people stood guard to protect their rights;
  • When the chosen representatives of the Grand Turkish Assembly valiantly assembled to be the vanguards of democracy;
  • And when the loyal armed forces of the Turkish Republic chose to weed out the miscreants under the able guidance of their Supreme Commander, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

 

So, as I congratulate you Mr. Ambassador on behalf of my entire nation on the 6th Anniversary of those momentous times, I also request you to kindly convey our joint felicitations to the President, Parliament and the people of brotherly Republic of Turkey.

Distinguished Guests!

The July 15 episode is indeed a great message to the entire world that nothing can harm a democratic order if it is tested and then trusted by the people.

  • Where the fruits of democracy are reaped by the electorate in terms of homogeneous progress and prosperity;
  • Where the poor are not left at the mercy of narrow interests but where a democratic State is seen as their guardian and protector.

It therefore goes to the vision and acumen of President Erdogan that under his leadership the Turkish democracy has evolved to bring stability, strength and prosperity to the country and the nation.

Turkey, indeed, is today’s  role model for the developing democracies of the World.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

As Turkey’s time-tested friend, Pakistan has always stood side by side its Turkish brothers and sisters, including during the turning hours of July 15’s night.

Our people have always taken pride in Turkey’s progress as for generations our two people have shared our joys and sorrows together.

 

It is, therefore, heartening for us in Pakistan to note that President Recep Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be visiting Pakistan in September this year.

The year 2022 also marks the 75th Anniversary of the diplomatic relations among our two modern states. So, it will, indeed be an honour and an opportunity for all of us to listen to the ideas and vision of the Turkish President on global peace, islamophobia and mutual growth. Further,the visit  will also help our two nations in reshaping our strategic partnership in the changing times.

On my part, I am also eagerly awaiting my visit to Turkey next week on the invitation of my Turkish brother, the Speaker of the Turkish Grand Assembly Excellency Mustafa Sentop to participate in the trilateral parliamentary forum of Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkey. I hope my visit further paves way in cementing the existing fraternal ties between our two Parliaments.

These regular contacts among the democratic leaders of our two countries are manifestation of our mutual resolve to work jointly for the global and regional peace, mutual economic growth and prosperity of our people.

We must extend and enlarge the scope of these links and encourage more people-to-people contacts at the levels of our businessmen, investors, artists, members of the academia, women and students. The youth of our two countries can form a permanent bridge between us if there are more youth exchange programs in terms of education, sports, business incubation and tourism.

At the same time, the post Covid challenges to the fragile economies of our region stress greater and extended cooperation and the best cooperation can come from friends and trusted partners. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto once said and I quote:

“Democracy needs support and the best support for democracy comes from other democracies. Democratic nations should come together in an association designed to help each other and promote what is a universal value – democracy.”

So as Turkey celebrates the 6th Anniversary of the victory of its democratic values, let us join hands for nurturing, protecting and promoting the democratic ideals as well as the fruits of democracy, namely progress and prosperity.

I thank you all.

Pakistan Zindabad