High-Level Bilateral Engagement and Strategic Announcement
Pakistan and Turkiye have taken a significant step forward in strengthening their bilateral relations by agreeing to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) dedicated to Turkish entrepreneurs in Karachi. The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Arrival of Turkish Delegation and Economic Vision
The declaration came as Fidan arrived in Islamabad for an official visit. He was joined by Turkiye’s Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler, underscoring the high-level nature of the engagement. This development represents a strategic move by both countries to deepen their economic, defence, and diplomatic cooperation.
Karachi SEZ and Future Trade Prospects
Dar confirmed that Pakistan and Turkiye are actively working on the SEZ project. “We are pursuing the establishment of a Special Economic Zone dedicated to Turkish entrepreneurs at Karachi,” he stated. The initiative is expected to open new doors for Turkish investment in Pakistan’s economic hub and significantly boost bilateral trade.
Reviving Historic Regional Connectivity
In addition to the SEZ, the two nations are also working on reviving the historic Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad train route. Dar noted that delegations from both countries will soon meet to finalize the roadmap for the train’s revival, which would greatly enhance regional connectivity and trade.
Education and Infrastructure Collaboration
During the press briefing, Dar also shared updates on several key joint projects. Pakistan has allocated land in Muzaffarabad for a new Maarif School operated by the Turkish Maarif Foundation, which already runs over 80 schools in Pakistan. A delegation from the Foundation is currently evaluating the site.
Furthermore, Dar revealed that Turkish companies are being considered for major projects such as the Jinnah Medical Complex and Daanish University in Islamabad. These collaborations aim to bring Turkish expertise into Pakistan’s healthcare and education sectors.
Energy and Defence Industry Integration
In the energy sector, Turkish firms are set to participate in offshore drilling projects and the privatization of electricity distribution companies (Discos). Dar emphasized that the two countries are also collaborating in areas such as capacity building and counterterrorism.
He praised Turkiye’s remarkable advancement in defense manufacturing, noting the rise in its self-reliance from 20% to 80% in recent years. “We would like to benefit from Turkiye’s experience and expertise in this area,” he said.
Strengthening Defence Ties and Counterterrorism
In his remarks, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted the importance of strong defence cooperation between the two nations. He referred to recent joint operations against terrorism and stated that such strategic steps were crucial for the security of both Pakistan and Turkiye.
Fidan also acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic conduct during recent tensions with India, describing it as wise and mature. He stressed the shared commitment to counterterrorism and applauded the intensifying cooperation in sectors such as mining, oil, gas, and precious stones.
“We are determined to take our commercial relations to $5 billion,” Fidan asserted, echoing a goal previously set during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Islamabad in February.
Reinforcing Strategic Partnership
After their meetings, Dar shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the two sides had engaged in productive discussions on regional and global developments, reaffirming their strategic partnership. “Pakistan and Turkiye share deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood, mutual trust, and strategic cooperation,” he posted.
Defence Discussions with Pakistan Air Force
Separately, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler met with Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), both leaders agreed to form joint working groups to enhance cooperation in various sectors.
Their discussions covered regional security issues, defence partnerships, and future collaboration in emerging technologies. Guler expressed his appreciation for the Pakistan Air Force’s performance during past conflicts and lauded its operational capabilities.
Highlighting Turkiye’s desire for deeper defence ties, Guler proposed joint ventures in advanced technologies, avionics, and unmanned aerial systems. He also acknowledged the ongoing pilot exchange program, calling it a vital element for building mutual understanding between the two air forces.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu reaffirmed PAF’s commitment to boosting collaboration in aerospace technologies and advanced training. Both parties agreed to expand bilateral and multilateral air exercises, reflecting their growing military cooperation.
The ISPR emphasized that the visit symbolized a shared commitment to enhancing strategic cooperation and building lasting institutional ties between the armed forces of the two nations.
Joint Commission and High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC)
Dar and Fidan co-chaired the first session of the joint commission, launched during President Erdogan’s February visit. Dar expressed satisfaction with the progress of 12 Joint Standing Committees (JSCs) operating under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), according to the Foreign Office.
These committees cover key areas like trade, defence, energy, IT, education, and agriculture. Some have already met, while others will convene soon. Dar announced that the JSC on security, defence, and intelligence will meet in Islamabad on July 24. The transport and communication committee will likely meet next week. The defence industries committee plans to gather in September.
Other JSCs, including those focused on health, culture, science, finance, and diplomacy, are also preparing for upcoming meetings. Guler and Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan will co-chair the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), scheduled for next week to advance economic cooperation.
The Foreign Office reported that both nations also discussed regional and global issues, reaffirming their shared commitment to peace and stability.
Diplomatic Outreach and Recent Developments
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yasar Guler landed in Islamabad early Wednesday. Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani, Additional Secretary for West Asia, welcomed them at the airport. Their visit emphasized the growing trust and partnership between Turkiye and Pakistan.
Pakistan extended its condolences to Turkiye following the tragic death of 12 Turkish soldiers from methane exposure in Iraq, reflecting strong mutual solidarity.
A week earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Erdogan at the ECO Summit in Azerbaijan. They discussed deeper collaboration in trade, energy, defence, and regional connectivity, pledging to elevate the strategic partnership further.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations
Pakistan and Turkiye continue to build a strong alliance across various sectors. Their cooperation reflects shared values, common goals, and long-standing historical ties. The launch of the Special Economic Zone in Karachi for Turkish investors marks a major milestone in their expanding partnership.
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