PUK President: We Will Fulfil Our Promises

PUKMEDIA

PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), alongside members of the Political Bureau and Leadership Council, joined thousands of party members and supporters at Sulaymaniyah Stadium to mark the PUK’s 50th founding anniversary—its Golden Jubilee. 

President Talabani reaffirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to its principles, stressing that the PUK will honour its promises and never compromise on the rights of the people.

Founded on 1 June 1975, the PUK is a member of the Socialist International and has, since its inception, upheld the principles of democracy, human rights, and the right to self-determination.

The Golden Jubilee ceremony commenced with the playing of the national anthems of Iraq and Kurdistan, followed by the PUK’s own march, Mashxallan. A special welcome was extended to Dr Fuad Masum, one of the party’s founding members, who attended the celebration in person.

In a video message, fellow co-founder Omar Sheikhmous congratulated the PUK President, the Political Bureau, the Leadership Council, and the PUK cadres and supporters on the milestone occasion, hoping that the PUK would continue to carry the torch of service with renewed enthusiasm and dedication.

After that, the PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani delivered a speech, in which he welcomed the thousands gathered at the Sulaymaniyah Stadium, and said: “The whole world recognises the sanctity of the PUK’s history—a history built on sacrifice, courage, pride, and the pursuit of freedom,” 

“Our legacy shines like the stars in the sky, and the world bears witness to it,” he said.

Reflecting on the PUK’s resilience, President Talabani remarked: “The PUK has endured many internal and external challenges, yet it was you—our loyal supporters—who never let the PUK fall, who never gave up. That strength is the reason other parties envy us today.”

He went on to affirm the party’s commitments: “The PUK has not forgotten the promises we made in recent months. I reiterate today: we will fulfil those promises. We will never compromise the rights of our people for the sake of any party or political interest.”

Speaking on the PUK’s strategic influence, he stated: “It is the PUK that negotiates with powerful countries, who support it, and it is the PUK that is heard in Baghdad. Our current unity will only grow stronger—and so will our Peshmerga forces.”

Addressing the wider Kurdish public, President Talabani added: “My message to the people of Kurdistan is this: the PUK will correct the mistakes of the past and strive to build a better life for our people. We contacted the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani earlier regarding the salary crisis, and we are working to resolve it.”

He continued with a pointed remark: “If necessary, I will personally go to Baghdad to solve the issue of salaries. Meanwhile, the opposition sits in front of television screens, watching events like mice, offering nothing but empty rhetoric.”

Touching on the need for unity and constructive dialogue, he said: “We believe that dialogue and understanding between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad are the keys to lasting solutions. We tell Baghdad: you are not our enemy. Do not be misled by divisive voices. Our people should not bear the consequences of the inflammatory statements made by certain leaders.”

In closing, President Talabani reaffirmed the PUK’s role in regional diplomacy: The PUK has played a critical role in the peace process in Türkiye, and it remains the party capable of securing Kurdish rights and standing firm against its opponents. The PUK will never back down. With God’s will, we will prevail—and our adversaries will fall.”



PUKMEDIA