Federal Minister For Maritime Affairs Inaugurates Yunus Emre Institute At Aiou

ISLAMABAD: DEC 26 (DNA):Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, inaugurated the Yunus Emre Institute Pakistan Chapter at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) today. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan, the Vice Chancellor of AIOU, and a distinguished gathering of academia, diplomats, and cultural enthusiasts.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh underscored the transformative power of education in nation-building, citing examples such as China, which lifted 700 million people out of poverty through education. “It is heartening to see that 50% of university students in Pakistan are female.

However, the fact that 26 million children are still out of school is a stark reminder of the challenges we face. Institutions like AIOU are making significant contributions toward bridging this gap and fostering educational inclusivity,” he stated. He praised the establishment of the Yunus Emre Institute at AIOU as a milestone in strengthening cultural and educational ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. “The Yunus Emre Institute has a global reputation for promoting Turkish language, culture, and the shared Turkish-Islamic heritage.

This collaboration with AIOU will undoubtedly deepen the historic bonds between our two nations and open new avenues for cultural and academic exchange,” he added. The Ambassador of Türkiye expressed his gratitude to AIOU for hosting the Institute, which will introduce Turkish culture and language to Pakistani students and scholars.

“This partnership is a testament to the enduring friendship and shared values between Türkiye and Pakistan,” he remarked. The Vice Chancellor of AIOU highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and inclusive education.

He expressed optimism that the Yunus Emre Institute would enrich the academic and cultural environment of the university and enable students to explore Turkish heritage and its profound influence on Islamic civilization. The Yunus Emre Institute, operating under the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Türkiye, has branches in over 80 countries.

The newly established branch at AIOU is expected to become a hub for cultural and linguistic exchange, furthering the mission of unity and mutual understanding between Pakistan and Türkiye. The event concluded with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a tour of the Institute’s facilities, showcasing its state-of-the-art resources for language and cultural education.