LAHORE: (January 10, Wednesday): Turkiye's Consul General Mr Durmus Bastug has said that Pakistan and Turkiye enjoy exemplary relations since 1947 and both countries have supported each other in every difficult time. He was addressing a seminar to celebrate ‘Turkiye’s 100 years of democracy and 75 years of diplomatic relations with Pakistan’ organized by Punjab University Pakistan Study Centre in its seminar room. On this occasion, PU VC Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Head of Urdu Department Turkish Radio & Television Translator of President Tayyip Rajab Erdoğan Dr Furkan Hamit, Director PSC Dr Naumana Kiran, Associate Professor Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi, historians, faculty members and a large number of students were present. In his address, Mr Durmus Bastug said that Pakistan and Turkiye are two separate states but the heart of the people is one. He said that the two countries always supported each other at every level in difficult situations. He said that Turkish President Tayyip Rajab Erdoğan has always supported Pakistan’s position regarding Kashmir at every forum. He said that we are playing a role in the promotion of Turkish language and culture in Pakistan. He said that there is a need to increase ties between Pakistan and Turkiye. Dr Khalid Mahmood said that the people of both the countries are well aware of the sensitivity of centuries-old relations. He said that Muslims around the world consider Turkiye as a responsible country for the Muslim Ummah. He said that since Turkiye was on the edge of Europe, it was sometimes difficult to maintain a balance in relations with other countries. He said that for the strengthening of democracy in Pakistan, politicians have to play a role in the local government system. He said that steps are needed to increase trade relations with Turkiye for the stability of Pakistan’s economy. He said that universities of both countries are working together on many projects for the development of higher education. In his keynote lecture, Dr Furkan Hamit said that even before the creation of Pakistan, the Muslims of the subcontinent played their role in the Khilafat Movement. He said that in the 2005 earthquake and 2010 flood, the government and the people of Turkiye gave full support to Pakistan, while Pakistan has always supported the Turkish government in defense matters. He said that both countries have been raising their voices at every level against the oppression of Muslims including Kashmir and Palestine. He said that Allama Iqbal and Muhammad Akif highlighted the importance of education for the development of Muslims. He said that Turkiye is at the forefront of drone technology worldwide. He said that the role of local bodies is important in the strengthening of democracy in Turkiye. He said that military dictators have been imposing martial law in Turkiye in the past, but now the situation is different. He said that Tayyip Rajab Erdoğan laid the foundation of modern Istanbul when he became the mayor. He said that in the 1960s, Pakistan was ahead of many countries of the world in the race of development and even gave debt to Germany. He said that there is a need to introduce reforms in the bureaucratic system for Pakistan’s development. Dr Naumana Kiran while welcoming the participants said that the purpose of organizing the seminar was to inform the students about the completion of 100 years of modern Turkiye and 75 years of relations with Pakistan. She said that Turkiye is a metaphor of hope for the Muslim Ummah. She said that the government and the people of Turkiye respect the people of Pakistan. Later, PU VC Dr Khalid Mahmood presented souvenirs to the distinguished guests.