Farewell Program for Türkiye’s Consul General Cemal Sangu Hosted by Dr. Farooq Afzal

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: The Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Karachi, Cemal Sangu, was honored at a farewell dinner hosted at Karachi Gymkhana by Dr. Muhammad Farooq Afzal, Founding Chairman of the Economic Diplomacy Forum and President of the Pakistan-Türkiye Business Forum. The event marked Sangu’s departure as he concluded his tenure in Pakistan and returned to Türkiye.

Addressing the gathering, Cemal Sangu emphasized the strong bonds between Türkiye and Pakistan, referring to the two nations as distinct yet united as one nation. He expressed that the citizens of both countries share a profound sense of belonging, considering each other’s homelands as their own. The farewell dinner brought together prominent figures, including Irfan Soomro, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Zubair Motiwala, Chairman of UB Group; and Kashif Sheikh, Director/CEO of the Chaudhry Shafiq Group. Diplomats attending the event included the Consul General of Oman, Engineer Sami Abdullah; Consul General of Iraq, Mehr Ji Jang; and Consul General of Malaysia, Herman Hardinata Ahmad. Reflecting on his experiences in Karachi, Sangu noted the hospitality and warmth of its people, dispelling the negative propaganda about the city. He recounted his travels across various cities in Sindh, mentioning that he faced no challenges during his stay. Throughout his tenure, Sangu dedicated himself to enhancing diplomatic, trade, cultural, and social ties between Türkiye and Pakistan, with a particular focus on delegational exchanges.

Highlighting Türkiye’s rich heritage, Sangu reaffirmed his country’s commitment to upholding the values of Islam and praised the cultural institutions in Karachi that foster mutual understanding between the two nations. He also referred to his research on Pakistan and India through his written work, underscoring the significance of Urdu as Pakistan’s national language. Dr. Farooq Afzal, in his speech, emphasized the need for further collaboration in trade, economics, culture, and social issues, acknowledging Sangu’s efforts in establishing strong relations with the people of Karachi. He asserted that Türkiye has consistently supported Pakistan during challenging times. Zubair Motiwala echoed these sentiments, stating that the robust relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye is marked by mutual respect. He encouraged Turkish investors to explore the myriad opportunities available in Pakistan, suggesting that increased trade could lead to prosperity for both nations. Irfan Soomro commended Sangu for his role in strengthening bilateral trade and cooperation throughout his tenure, highlighting the importance of both countries within the Muslim Ummah. Kashif Sheikh concluded the speeches by expressing hope that Sangu would continue to visit Pakistan even after his departure. The evening culminated with a presentation of a memento to the chief guest, followed by a sumptuous dinner in honor of all attendees, celebrating the enduring friendship between Türkiye and Pakistan.