In a major step towards strengthening their strategic partnership, Pakistan and Turkiye have pledged to boost their economic cooperation and expand ties in key sectors including defence, energy, trade, culture, and education.
The two nations aim to raise their bilateral trade volume to $5 billion trade goal, underlining a shared vision for regional growth and mutual prosperity.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Ankara, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the 12 Joint Standing Committees operating under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). Dar highlighted that these committees had already met or were scheduled to meet soon, demonstrating a strong commitment from both sides.
DPM Dar also announced the formation of a joint commission to regularly review the work of these committees. He noted that the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), expected to meet shortly, will further advance economic ties. The JMC will be co-chaired by Turkey’s National Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, aiming to take the $5 billion trade goal closer to reality.
Pakistan is particularly interested in learning from Turkiye’s success in developing its defence industry, which has achieved an impressive 80% indigenisation. Dar revealed that Pakistan plans to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Karachi dedicated to Turkish businesses and is working to revive the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad rail corridor, a project seen as a game-changer for regional trade.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, had a fruitful and productive meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan @HakanFidan, co-chair of Joint Commission under the HLSCC framework and the Minister of National Defence… pic.twitter.com/1aW7QHz9o8
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 9, 2025
Several large-scale projects are also on the horizon, including the Jinnah Medical Complex, Danish University, offshore drilling initiatives, and Turkish participation in the privatisation of Pakistan's power distribution companies. Dar further noted that Pakistani authorities are working to tap Turkish expertise in water management, ship-breaking, and offshore drilling.
On the educational front, land has been allocated in Muzaffarabad for a Maarif school, further expanding cultural ties. Capacity building in counter-terrorism is another critical area of cooperation.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hailed the growing partnership, describing the discussions as “productive and forward-looking.” He emphasised the importance of enhancing connectivity between the two nations across air, sea, land, and rail networks, saying technical work was already underway.
Fidan also lauded Pakistan’s calm diplomatic approach during its recent tensions with India, praising Islamabad’s wisdom in managing regional challenges. He reaffirmed Turkiye’s full support for peace and dialogue in South Asia.
