Glowing tributes paid to Director of YunusEmre Institute at PAL reception
The Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) hosted a warm and dignified reception in honour of eminent Turkish scholar and literary figure Dr Khalil Tokar, Director of the YunusEmre Institute, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Turkish and Urdu literature and his tireless efforts to bring the literary communities of Pakistan and Türkiye closer through culture and language.
The ceremony brought together leading figures from the cultural, diplomatic and literary spheres. Prime Minister’s Aide on National Heritage and Culture, HuzaifaRehman, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Division Farah Naz Akbar and Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan IrfanNeziroglu attended as guests of honour.
Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, DrNajibaArif, delivered the welcome address, and noted poet and writer MunirFayaz conducted the proceedings.
In his keynote address, HuzaifaRehman paid glowing tributes to Dr Khalil Tokar for promoting Urdu language and literature among Turkish readers and for introducing Pakistan’s culture and civilization through Urdu. He described DrTokar’s work as a valuable service to Pakistan’s soft image abroad, adding that both the government and the people of Pakistan hold his contributions in high esteem. He recalled that the Government of Pakistan had earlier conferred the Sitara-e-Imtiaz upon DrTokar in recognition of his exceptional services in strengthening literary and cultural ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. Rehman also lauded PAL for organizing a timely and meaningful event to acknowledge the services of a foreign scholar who has become a cultural bridge between the two brotherly nations.
Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar highlighted the deep-rooted, historic relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye, noting that the bonds of friendship extend back to pre-independence times. She said DrTokar’s work had earned him admiration and respect in both countries and symbolized the enduring warmth between the two peoples. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador IrfanNeziroglu said the Pak–Turkish friendship was growing stronger with each passing day. He emphasized that joint initiatives in literature and culture were deepening mutual understanding and opening new avenues for collaboration between the two nations.
