By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – The Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş, and the Speaker of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, along with their respective parliamentary delegations, visited the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, where they were accorded a warm and cordial welcome.
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Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channer, Members of the Provincial Assembly Ms. Sarah Ahmad, Ms. Asma Ihtisham, Rana Muhammad Arshad, Secretary General Ch. Amer Habib, and Secretary Parliamentary Affairs Khalid Mahmood received the distinguished guests.
Later, a meeting was held in the Assembly Chamber between Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and the visiting Speakers, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in diverse sectors, including trade, defense, education, and energy.
Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that the people of Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan are united by bonds of brotherhood, friendship, and affection. He emphasized that joint efforts by the three nations for regional integrity and stability would pave the way for lasting peace and prosperity. He also underlined the importance of strengthening defense cooperation among the three countries.
He further stated that the brotherly nations have always stood together in times of trial and supported one another’s positions at international and regional forums.
The visiting Speakers, Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş and Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, expressed their deep gratitude to the Punjab Assembly and the people of Punjab for their warmth and hospitality.
Speaker Gafarova recalled Azerbaijan’s enduring gratitude for Pakistan’s unwavering support during the 44-day Patriotic War, stressing the need to further develop trade and cooperation among the three nations.
Turkish Speaker Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş described parliamentary cooperation among Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan as a natural continuation of their shared history, culture, and values. He reaffirmed that “Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan are three states but one nation,” emphasizing that there can be no compromise in the fight against terrorism and that joint defense and military collaboration are essential for regional security.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan presented commemorative shields to the visiting dignitaries and accompanied them on a tour of the Assembly Hall.
Later, the visiting Speakers, along with Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, visited the Mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, where they laid floral wreaths, offered Fateha, and paid rich tribute to the Poet of the East for his intellectual and philosophical contributions to the Muslim world. A special prayer was offered for the unity, progress, and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah. The guests also penned their remarks in the visitors’ book, conveying heartfelt wishes for the people of Pakistan.
Earlier, the parliamentary delegations from Türkiye and Azerbaijan arrived in Lahore by a special flight, where they were warmly received by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan at the airport and presented with bouquets.
The visit of the Turkish and Azerbaijani parliamentary delegations marks a significant milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s relations, parliamentary linkages, and cultural cooperation with its brotherly Islamic nations.
