ISLAMABAD – July 10, 2025:
In a significant development aimed at boosting economic ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Wednesday that both countries are working on establishing a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Karachi exclusively for Turkish entrepreneurs.
Dar made the remarks during a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day on an official visit. Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler is also visiting Pakistan, highlighting the growing strategic engagement between the two nations.
“We are actively pursuing the establishment of a Special Economic Zone in Karachi to attract Turkish businesses and investors,” said Dar. “This initiative reflects our shared vision of deepening economic integration.”
The announcement comes amid a broader push by Islamabad and Ankara to raise bilateral trade to $5 billion — a goal reaffirmed earlier this year during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan.
Dar also confirmed that talks are underway to revive the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad (ITI) train route, with technical teams from all three countries expected to finalize a roadmap in the coming weeks.
Broader Cooperation on Education, Health, and Energy
Expanding on other avenues of collaboration, the Pakistani foreign minister said land has been allocated in Muzaffarabad for the construction of a Turkish Maarif Foundation school. A delegation from the foundation is currently visiting the site to begin planning the project.
Dar revealed that Turkish firms are also being considered for two major infrastructure initiatives in Islamabad — the Jinnah Medical Complex and the Daanish University. In addition, Ankara’s companies are expected to participate in offshore drilling ventures and the upcoming privatization process of power distribution companies.
“We are exploring opportunities across multiple sectors — from education and energy to defence and infrastructure,” he said. “Pakistan stands to benefit greatly from Turkiye’s experience, particularly in indigenizing its defence industry, which now meets 80 percent of its own needs.”
Turkiye Lauds Strategic Partnership, Offers Continued Support
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed the spirit of cooperation, saying that defence ties would continue to grow stronger. He described the collaboration as a “strategic step” vital for the security and stability of both nations.
Speaking on regional tensions, including the recent flare-up between Pakistan and India, Fidan praised Islamabad’s “wise and measured response,” as reported by state broadcaster Radio Pakistan.
He also emphasized Turkiye’s interest in strengthening energy cooperation with Pakistan — particularly in mining, oil, gas, and precious minerals — alongside expanding ties in education, culture, and trade.
“Our aim remains firm: to elevate our commercial relationship to $5 billion and push bilateral cooperation to a higher, more meaningful level,” Fidan stated.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
Fidan’s visit marks his second trip to Pakistan in just over a year, underscoring the close diplomatic relationship between the two countries. The Foreign Office described the visit as a reflection of the “brotherly bond” rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual trust.
Upon arrival, the Turkish delegation was received by Pakistan’s Additional Secretary for West Asia, Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani.
On a somber note, Pakistan also extended its condolences to Turkiye following the death of 12 Turkish soldiers in Iraq due to methane gas exposure earlier this week during a military operation.
Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Erdogan met on the sidelines of the ECO summit in Azerbaijan, where they reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration in trade, energy, defence, and regional stability.
As the two nations build on their historical and cultural ties, this renewed focus on economic and strategic partnership may mark a turning point in Pakistan-Turkiye relations — one that moves beyond symbolism to tangible cooperation on the ground.
