Prize Distribution Ceremony for 7th Jinnah Young Writers Award Held in Ankara

The competition, named after Pakistan’s founder

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, is a key

initiative of the Pakistan Embassy in Türkiye

Foreign Correspondent

Ankara: The 7th edition of the Jinnah Young Writers Award, an annual essay competition, concluded today with a prize distribution ceremony in Ankara. Turkish Deputy Minister for National Education, Ms. Celile Eren Ökten, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Dr. Yousaf Junaid, attended the event.

The competition, named after Pakistan’s founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, aims to promote intellectual growth and public diplomacy. The Pakistan Embassy in Türkiye organizes it every year for senior high school students. This year’s theme was “Enchanting Landscapes and Architectural Marvels: Exploring the Beauty of Pakistan and Türkiye.”

Strengthening Pakistan-Türkiye Brotherhood

Deputy Minister Ms. Celile Eren Ökten highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Jinnah Young Writers Award. She explained how such programs strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye. The competition, she noted, helps students improve their writing skills and learn about Pakistan’s culture.

Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid described the Pakistan-Türkiye relationship as “İki devlet, tek millet” (Two States, One Nation). He commended the competition for teaching young people about the shared history of both nations. He also promised to expand the program in the future to involve more participants.

Recognizing Young Writers

Ms. Toba Korkmaz, Director General for EU and Foreign Relations, congratulated the participants. She praised their essays for reflecting the deep friendship and shared values between Pakistan and Türkiye.

The winners were:

• First Prize: Sultan Ayhan, Mehmet Uzel Sosyal Bilimler Lisesi, Burdur
• Second Prize: Zeynep Ceren Seven, Atatürk Anadolu Lisesi, Ordu
• Third Prize: Abdul Hadi Şahin, Tuzla Tuğrulbey Anadolu Lisesi

The jury also awarded Honourable Mentions to Isilay Veziroglu (Kumluca Kız AIHL, Antalya), Zeynep Öztek (Göl Anadolu Lisesi, Kastamonu), and Eren Ulug (Tarsus Fatih Anadolu Lisesi, Mersin).

This competition fosters friendship and understanding between the youth of Pakistan and Türkiye. It strengthens historic ties and promotes cultural exchange between the two nations.