Mayor Istanbul Dr Kadir Topbas was accorded unprecedented welcome on his arrival in Lahore for a two-day official visit. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, members of the provincial cabinet, members national and provincial assembly, senators, senior officers and other important personalities warmly welcomed the distinguished guest and other members of the delegation at the airport. Two children presented bouquet of flowers to Dr Kadir Topbas and his wife. The CM ministers, senators, assembly members, senior officers and elite of the city to Dr Topbas.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the distinguished guests,” the CM said, adding that due to Dr Topbas’ visit, trade, economic activities and brotherly relations between the two countries would be further strengthened. Shahbaz said the modern Bus Rapid Transit System and Solid Waste Management Project by Turkey in Punjab reflected the country’s confidence in the transparency and public welfare steps taken by the Punjab government.
Dr Topbas said on this occasion that Pakistan was his second home and he was glad to be in Lahore. He said Lahoris had won his heart by according him a warm welcome. Topbas said the Lahoris had proved that the hearts of people of Turkey and Pakistan beat together. He said he would never forget the scenes of rousing reception given to him the CMand his team and especially by the people of Lahore. Earlier, a smart contingent of Punjab Police presented guard of honour to Topbas at Lahore Airport. Tunes of national anthems of Turkey and Pakistan were played on this occasion. Citizens accorded warm welcome to distinguished guests from the airport to the place of stay of Mayor Istanbul and raised slogans of Pak Turk Dosti enthusiastically. Citizens were also carrying national flags of Pakistan and Turkey and also presented folk dance at various places on the route. Portraits of president and prime minister of Turkey, mayor of Istanbul, Pakistan Muslim League-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and welcome banners were displayed on all main roads of the city.
Later, Shahbaz inaugurated the Solid Waste Management Project that is being jointly undertaken by Istanbul Municipality and City District Government, Lahore. Dr Topbas, Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Mustafa Babür Hızlan, Albayrak Company Chairman Ahmet Albayrak were also present at the prestigious ceremony. The CM also hosted a dinner for the distinguished guests at the Lahore Fort.
Did he ask by any chance, where is mayor of Lahore? Oh but I guess Showbaz also grabbed this role!! Turkish elect a Dr as mayor and all we got sajay gamay as MP and CMs!, Wake up Pakistan!
By the way "Karsilama" is to greet someone in Turkish, I think the author did a (too)quick Google Translation of "Welcome" in Turkish. The correct translation is in fact "Hos Geldiniz"…
It must have been embarrassing for the Mayor to be accorded such Protocol,and a further embarrassment for all civilized people when they did not see the Mayor of Lahore.
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