Staff Reporter
Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted a graceful farewell lunch in honor of Türkiye’s Consul General Cemal Sangu, attended by diplomats, political leaders, and cultural icons. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Women’s Wing Chairperson and MPA Faryal Talpur graced the occasion as the guest of honor, while Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmad Shah and governing body members warmly welcomed the distinguished guests.
In his remarks, Ahmad Shah emphasized the importance of strengthening Pakistan–Türkiye cultural ties, underscoring the deep historic bond and shared heritage between the two nations.
PPP leader Faryal Talpur, in her speech, highlighted the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye, recalling that her great-grandfather Hassan Ali Effendi was the first Consul General of Türkiye in Sindh and the founder of Sindh Madressatul Islam in 1885. She extended her best wishes to Cemal Sangu as he concluded his tenure.
Consul General Cemal Sangu expressed gratitude, acknowledging the contributions of Hassan Ali Effendi in laying the foundation for Sindh–Türkiye relations. He also thanked Faryal Talpur and President Asif Ali Zardari for their efforts in strengthening the bilateral bond.
In a symbolic gesture, Faryal Talpur presented Cemal Sangu with Mirza Qaleech Baig’s book “Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi” along with a bouquet.
The farewell was attended by an impressive list of dignitaries, including Sindh Minister for Culture Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, senior PPP leader Nisar Khuhro, veteran actor Manzoor Saeed, writer Noor-ul-Huda Shah, columnist Ghazi Salahuddin, journalist Mazhar Abbas, Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, Qasim Soomro, along with Consul Generals of several countries and prominent personalities from Karachi’s cultural and political circles.
The ceremony not only celebrated the services of Cemal Sangu but also reflected the historic depth of Pak-Türkiye relations rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual respect.
