Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Konya Thursday on the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan was warmly received by Konya Governor Cüneyit (Junaid) Orhan Toprak, Deputy Mayor Mithat Buyukalim, Ambassador of Pakistan Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, Garrison Commander and senior Turkish officials at the Konya airport.
In his brief meeting with the Konya governor, the prime minister said, “We take pride in our exemplary brotherly relations with Turkey.” He said efforts were being made to take this relationship to newer heights.
The prime minister said the people of Pakistan have great love for the people of Konya and hold Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi in great reverence. He said the spiritual message of Rumi had served to unite humanity from all religions and all walks of life.
To pay homage to the great Sufi saint of the Muslim world, the prime minister and his delegation visited the mausoleum of Rumi. He also visited the symbolic grave of Allama Muhammad Iqbal located there.
Published in Daily Times, January 4th 2019.
