KARACHI: Consul General of Türkiye Dr. Cemal Sangu has said that Türkiye, which considers Pakistanis as their true brothers, is not only concentrating on enhancing trade and investment cooperation between the two countries but is equally committed to improving the standards of education in Pakistan. He informed that 28 Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges are fully operational across Pakistan, while a comprehensive teachers’ training program has also been initiated under which 800 certificates have been awarded to trained teachers.
Exchanging views at a farewell reception hosted by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in his honor, Dr. Sangu remarked that although Türkiye and Pakistan may be two separate countries, their people see each other as “one nation,” bound by a deep history of faith, trust, and affection. “I am now departing for my second home as I consider Pakistan my first home,” he said, receiving warm applause from the attendees.
The farewell reception was attended by Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen, Vice President Faisal Khalil Ahmed, Chairman Diplomatic Missions & Embassies Liaison Subcommittee Ahsan Arshad Sheikh, former presidents Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra, Junaid Esmail Makda, Tariq Yousuf, Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, and members of KCCI’s Managing Committee.
Highlighting centuries-old ties, Dr. Sangu observed that from the era of Mehmood Ghaznavi to the Mughals, Türkiye maintained its influence in Central Asia and the Subcontinent, which laid the foundation of long-standing fraternal bonds. “The relations between Türkiye and Pakistan are soul-to-soul and over a thousand years old. This is not a coincidence; it is rooted in the connections between the Ottoman Empire and the Mughals,” he said.
Recalling moments of solidarity, Dr. Sangu noted that Pakistan was the first country to send humanitarian assistance to Türkiye after the devastating earthquake, while Türkiye was among the earliest nations to extend relief during Pakistan’s catastrophic floods. “Our relations are unique, special, and beyond the definition of words. They are higher than K2 and sweeter than Sindhri mangoes,” he said poetically.
He further shared that in addition to the Maarif schools, around 200 informal schools in Baldia, Surjani, Orangi, Korangi, and Lyari are being supported by Türkiye. Several schools in Sindh have been refurbished, while IT labs were established at universities in Karachi and Tando Jam to strengthen digital education.
On the economic front, Dr. Sangu highlighted vast potential for expanding bilateral trade. He commended Pakistan’s surgical and sports goods from Sialkot and pointed out opportunities in Türkiye’s growing motorbike industry, particularly in motorcycle tires. He also noted Pakistan’s seafood sector has potential to replace imports from Vietnam with competitive quality and pricing.
Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala paid tribute to Dr. Sangu’s contributions in strengthening trade, investment, and cultural ties. “Pakistan and Türkiye are like two bodies with one heart, and Türkiye has always stood as a great friend of Pakistan,” he said. He also urged Pakistani businessmen traveling to Türkiye as tourists to explore trade opportunities by engaging with Turkish chambers of commerce.
Motiwala acknowledged Türkiye’s support during Pakistan’s conflicts with India and its vocal
opposition to the genocide in Gaza. While noting that bilateral trade has reached US$1.4 billion, he stressed the need to diversify sectors and promote tourism. “Türkiye has been successfully organizing automotive and textile exhibitions, which Pakistani businesses must attend to learn, connect, and expand,” he emphasized.
Earlier, KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani described Dr. Sangu as a “true friend of Karachi” who, since assuming charge in December 2021, made an indelible impact on strengthening ties. “Under his tenure, Pakistan-Türkiye trade reached a historic high in 2024, reflecting his relentless advocacy and constructive leadership,” Bilwani said.
He extended best wishes to Dr. Sangu and his family, acknowledging the vital role of diplomatic families in building friendships. “We express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Cemal Sangu for his exemplary service and unwavering friendship, and we pray his next assignment will be as impactful as his years in Karachi,” Bilwani concluded. -PR
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