Economic opportunities in Pakistan: Turkish investors urged to take advantage
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Pakistan and Turkiye must translate their longstanding friendship into joint projects, investment and shared economic prosperity as the two countries seek to deepen cooperation in trade and defence.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish republic, the prime minister urged Turkish investors to take advantage of economic opportunities in Pakistan and said there was considerable scope to strengthen bilateral business ties.
He said a special economic zone associated with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was being established in Karachi, without providing further details.
He also highlighted growing cooperation between the two countries in politics, trade and defence, describing their relationship as rooted in decades of mutual support.
Pakistan had received Turkish assistance following the devastating 2005 earthquake and the 2010 floods, while Islamabad had expressed solidarity with Ankara after earthquakes struck Turkey in February 2023, he said.
The prime minister also thanked Turkey for its support during what he described as Indian aggression, saying Ankara’s backing had been a source of encouragement for Pakistanis.
He referred to a joint defence agreement involving Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, describing it as an important milestone reflecting their capabilities and commitment to regional peace and stability.
The ceremony at the Turkish embassy was attended by Turkish ambassador Irfan Neziroglu, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other Pakistani and Turkish officials.
Neziroglu said the two countries were committed to expanding strategic cooperation and turning their longstanding ties into stronger economic partnerships.
Pakistan and Turkey have cultivated close relations over decades, with both countries regularly expressing support for one another on regional and international issues.
Turkey, which celebrates Republic Day on October 29, marks the proclamation of the republic in 1923 under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the country’s founding president.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026