Islamabad:Pakistani writers, intellectuals, and artists have announced the establishment of an organisation named ‘Dost’ to promote civilizational harmony, cooperation, and cultural diplomacy between Pakistan and Türkiye. The organization aims to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two brotherly nations across all walks of life.
The announcement was made at an iftar gathering organised by the Turkish cultural center Yunus Emre Institute and the newly formed Dost. Pakistan’s Minister of State and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Huzefa Rehman, welcomed the establishment of Dost and stated that Pakistan and Türkiye already enjoy warm cooperation at the governmental level.
However, there had long been a need to extend this cooperation to the public in a more organized manner. He expressed satisfaction that this institution, founded by Pakistani intellectuals, writers, and artists, would effectively fulfill that need at the public level. He also assured that the Government of Pakistan would extend full support to Dost.
Minister of State Huzefa Rehman further said that cultural and civilizational engagement at the people-to-people level would make the relationship between the two brotherly nations even more meaningful. Such engagement, he noted, would contribute not only to the progress of both countries but also to global peace.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Pakistan, Dr. Irfan Neziro lu, said that non-governmental organizations play a fundamental role in promoting cultural contacts. He expressed the hope that Dost would assume a leading role in this regard.
On the occasion, the President of Dost Dr. Farooq Adil welcomed Huzefa Rehman and the guests and said that the vibrant friendship between the two brotherly nations needs to be transmitted to future generations in a world that has changed politically and technologically.
