https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, July 3 (Alliance News): Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, met with Dr. Abdul Rahman Akkus, Religious Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye in Pakistan, on Thursday to discuss deepening cooperation in religious education, welfare initiatives, and interfaith engagement.
The meeting underscored the long-standing, fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, grounded in shared religious heritage and cultural affinities.
Both dignitaries expressed satisfaction over the historic bond and reaffirmed their mutual resolve to strengthen collaboration, particularly in areas concerning religious affairs and community welfare.
Minister Yousaf welcomed Dr. Akkus and commended Turkiye for appointing a religious scholar and Hafiz-e-Quran to the important diplomatic post, describing it as a strategic and thoughtful gesture that would enhance bilateral religious cooperation.
He emphasized the importance of fostering educational exchanges and promoting shared religious values through institutional linkages between the two brotherly nations.
“Pakistan and Turkiye share more than just diplomatic relations — our connection is rooted in Islamic brotherhood and a shared vision for the welfare of the Ummah,” Yousaf said.
“We deeply appreciate Turkiye’s principled stance on global issues affecting Muslims, including its consistent support for the people of Kashmir and Palestine, and its bold efforts to confront Islamophobia on international platforms.”
The minister also extended his gratitude to the Turkish Diyanet Foundation for its longstanding welfare contributions in Pakistan.
He praised the Foundation’s various initiatives, including the distribution of Ramadan relief packages, provision of Qurbani meat during Eid-ul-Adha, establishment of healthcare services, educational support for underprivileged communities, and the supply of clean drinking water in rural and disaster-affected areas.
Referring to the 2005 earthquake in northern Pakistan, Minister Yousaf recalled Turkiye’s swift and compassionate humanitarian assistance.
“As the then District Nazim of Mansehra, I personally witnessed Turkiye’s timely help and generous contributions. The Turkish people stood with us in one of our darkest hours, and that solidarity will never be forgotten,” he said.
During the meeting, Minister Yousaf proposed exploring enhanced coordination among Islamic countries to establish a unified moon-sighting system.
He suggested that Pakistan and Turkiye could consult each other to address this long-standing issue, which often results in discrepancies in the observance of key Islamic events across the Muslim world.
In response, Dr. Abdul Rahman Akkus reiterated Turkiye’s commitment to furthering collaboration with Pakistan in all religious and cultural domains.
He welcomed the idea of deeper engagement and affirmed that Turkiye views Pakistan as a vital partner in promoting Islamic values, religious harmony, and humanitarian work across the region.
Both sides agreed to continue regular dialogue and cooperation through institutional frameworks and people-to-people connections.
The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to reinforce ties and pursue joint initiatives that support the welfare of Muslim communities and the promotion of interfaith peace and understanding.
