Pakistan is significantly deepening its strategic and economic ties with Türkiye, implementing a sweeping series of high-priority measures following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Ankara. This accelerated engagement, confirmed by well-informed sources, comes in recognition of the steadfast support extended by Türkiye and Azerbaijan to Pakistan during its recent conflict with India. During his pivotal meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on May 25, 2025, PM Sharif issued comprehensive directives aimed at rapidly expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple critical sectors.
Key initiatives include the immediate allotment of land in Karachi for a dedicated “President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Special Economic Zone” to host Turkish companies, with the Board of Investment tasked to ensure swift execution. Significant Turkish participation is being sought in major national projects, including the operationalization of Gwadar Port, the privatization of airports and power Distribution Companies (Discos) and off-shore drilling ventures. Relevant ministries including Maritime Affairs, Privatisation, Power, and Petroleum have been directed to actively engage Turkish firms and experts. Furthermore, Turkish consultants are being invited to contribute to mega projects like the Jinnah Medical Complex, with a roadshow planned in Türkiye on June 2, 2025, and the Danish University.
In the defence realm, PM Sharif directed the expedition of payments for MILGEM class ships and called for enhanced strategic cooperation in defence and counter-terrorism. Progress on the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad Railway project is also being prioritized, with a Turkish delegation to be invited for deliberations. Demonstrating the urgency and personal importance placed on the relationship, the Prime Minister directed the Chief Secretary of AJK to allot land for a Türkiye Maarif Foundation school in Muzaffarabad within 48 hours, intending to personally hand over the allotment letter to the Turkish Ambassador in Islamabad.
Symbolically strengthening ties beyond the mainland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to explore upgrading the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Trade Office to a Consulate and examine issuing a statement of support for the TRNC. To ensure the rapid and effective implementation of this expansive agenda, PM Sharif has ordered the establishment of a dedicated oversight committee within the Prime Minister’s Office. This multi-pronged strategy underscores Pakistan’s commitment to rapidly transforming diplomatic solidarity with Türkiye into concrete, wide-ranging economic and strategic partnerships.
