Shehbaz Sharif Seeks Stronger Pakistan-Türkiye Economic Ties

PM Shehbaz Calls for Stronger Pakistan-Türkiye Economic Partnership

ISLAMABAD, October 29, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for expanding economic cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye, stressing that bilateral trade and investment should reflect the strength of their longstanding political and strategic relations.

Addressing a reception marking the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye in Islamabad on Thursday, the prime minister urged both countries to transform their historic friendship into practical economic opportunities, joint ventures and employment for young people.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers and parliamentarians attended the event.

Shehbaz Congratulates Turkish Leadership

Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the government and the people of Türkiye on the national anniversary. He praised Türkiye’s economic development, advances in defence technology and contributions to humanitarian assistance around the world.

Recalling the historic ties between the two nations, he highlighted the support extended by Muslims of the subcontinent to Türkiye during its War of Independence, particularly during the Khilafat Movement under British colonial rule.

He said Türkiye had reciprocated Pakistan’s solidarity by standing alongside the country during difficult times, including the devastating 2005 earthquake and the 2010 floods.

The prime minister also recalled Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan’s donation of her necklace for flood victims. He highlighted Türkiye’s subsequent assistance in establishing a hospital, a school and model villages in Muzaffargarh.

The Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital and Emine Erdogan School, he noted, continue to provide services to local communities.

Shehbaz also appreciated Türkiye’s support for Pakistan during last year’s Marka-e-Haq conflict with India.

Makkah Agreement Highlighted as Regional Milestone

The prime minister described the Makkah Agreement, signed on August 7, 2026, by Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, as an important development in strengthening collective deterrence and reinforcing their shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Pakistan Invites Turkish Investors

Highlighting economic cooperation as a key priority, Shehbaz recalled announcing the President Tayyip Erdogan Special Economic Zone in Karachi during the Pakistan-Türkiye Business Conference in Istanbul in July.

He encouraged Turkish investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan, citing its young population, strategic geographical position and potential for economic growth.

The prime minister stressed that both countries should move beyond diplomatic goodwill and pursue practical business partnerships that generate investment, strengthen economic ties and create jobs for young people.

Turkish Ambassador Reaffirms Brotherhood

Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu welcomed the guests and reflected on the historical significance of Türkiye’s War of Liberation and the establishment of the republic in 1923 under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

He said the Turkish independence struggle had inspired many nations, including Muslims in South Asia. He also recalled the admiration expressed by Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal for the Turkish struggle.

Emphasising the depth of bilateral relations, the ambassador said Pakistan and Türkiye had consistently supported each other during difficult times.

He reiterated both countries’ determination to strengthen their economic partnership, deepen their strategic alliance and expand cooperation at regional and international forums.

The ambassador also described the Makkah Defence Agreement and the Badr memorandum of understanding as recent milestones in bilateral relations.

The reception concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony celebrating the founding anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, underscoring the enduring friendship between the two countries.