ISLAMABAD: Turkish ambassador Irfan Neziroglu has said that the bonds between the people of Pakistan and Türkiye are strong and enduring, with both nations standing by each other through joys and challenges.

He expressed these sentiments while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the newly refurbished main halls of the National Press Club (NPC), here on Tuesday.

The renovation of the NPC’s conference hall was carried out by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), in support of the media community of Islamabad.

The Turkish envoy assured that TIKA would continue to extend support to the NPC and it was highlighted that over the past three years, TIKA has successfully completed more than 70 projects in Pakistan.

Moderating the ceremony NPC Secretary Nayyar Ali, commending the collaboration between NPC and TIKA that will benefit the media community of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

TIKA’s Head of Department, Dursun Ali Yasagan, TIKA Coordinator to Pakistan Muhsin Balci, announced TIKA’s commitment to continuing its collaboration with the NPC.

President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ- Afzal Butt), Afzal Butt, lauded TIKA for its support and described the renovation as a proud achievement for NPC’s current body. He said the provided voice to the voiceless and the renovated hall of the Club will facilitate the journalists and those who come to hold the news conferences.

NPC President Azhar Jatoi expressed gratitude to TIKA and a poem by Senior journalist and poet Sajjad Lakha honouring the people of Türkiye was read out in the ceremony.

Senior Vice President Ehtishamul Haq highlighted TIKA’s extensive efforts in Pakistan, including projects at Islamia University Peshawar, GC University Lahore, Rawalpindi Women University, and Pakistan’s first public sector pet clinic in Rawalpindi. Mr Neziroglu also planted a sapling in the NPC lawn.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2024