Envoy assures Gazan students of Türkiye’s support

Islamabad:Türkiye's Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. rfan Neziro lu, has reaffirmed Türkiye’s unwavering support for the people of Palestine, assuring Gazan students that they could consider the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad as their second home.

He made these remarks at the Youth Solidarity Iftar, hosted by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), which brought together 320 students and dignitaries from Türkiye, Pakistan, and Palestine for an evening of unity and shared spirit.

The event was attended by Dilad enol, Ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; rectors of various universities; and representatives from partner institutions, including Al Khidmat Foundation, NUST, NUML, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad Press Club, and the Türkiye Alumni Association. TIKA Islamabad Coordinator Saliha Tuna highlighted the deep-rooted ties between Türkiye, Pakistan, and Palestine, emphasising the role of youth in strengthening these bonds. She also paid tribute to the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital in Gaza, a Training & Research Hospital established by TIKA in 2011 and completed in 2017. It was the only full-fledged cancer treatment facility in Gaza until it was recently destroyed by the Israeli army.

Ambassador Nezirolu reiterated that Pakistan and Palestine remain among Türkiye’s closest friends. He also noted that Pakistan has been one of TIKA’s most active partner countries, with nearly 700 development cooperation projects implemented over the past 15 years. He assured that Türkiye’s support for Pakistan through TIKA’s initiatives would continue. Speaking on behalf of the Gazan students, Fatima En-Najjar expressed profound gratitude to TIKA for organising the iftar, calling it a deeply meaningful gathering. She made an emotional appeal to the audience, urging them to keep the Palestinian people in their prayers as the crisis in Gaza worsens by the day.

TIKA has been operating in Pakistan since 2010, carrying out hundreds of development projects across various sectors. The Youth Solidarity Iftar served as another testament to Türkiye’s commitment to fostering lasting connections between the three nations. The event concluded with heartfelt exchanges between students and a collective prayer for peace, justice, and unity.