Calls for stronger trade, investment and joint ventures; announces President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Special Economic Zone in Karachi; says Pakistan-Türkiye friendship must translate into shared prosperity and jobs for youth

ISLAMABAD, Thursday, October 29, 2026 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday invited Turkish business leaders and investors to explore Pakistan’s growing economic opportunities, urging them to transform the historic brotherhood between the two countries into joint ventures, shared prosperity and meaningful employment for their young people.

Addressing the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye here, the prime minister said the economic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye must match the strength of their political and strategic relationship.

Recalling the Pakistan-Türkiye Business Conference held in Istanbul in July, he announced the establishment of the President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Special Economic Zone in Karachi and highlighted Pakistan’s young population, strategic geographical location and growing economic potential as important opportunities for Turkish investors.

He said the two countries should work towards building an even stronger economic partnership, deepening their strategic alliance and creating a shared future in which their peoples prosper together.

On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, the prime minister extended heartfelt felicitations to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the government and the brotherly people of Türkiye on the historic occasion.

He said Türkiye’s journey as a republic, launched on October 29, 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the country’s founding fathers, reflected courage, sacrifice and an unshakable national will.

He observed that under President Erdoğan’s leadership, Türkiye had emerged as a formidable force on the global stage, making remarkable progress in economic development, defence technology, modern infrastructure and humanitarian assistance.

Highlighting the historical foundations of Pakistan-Türkiye friendship, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the bond between the two nations predated the creation of Pakistan. He recalled that Muslims of the subcontinent, particularly from the areas that now constitute Pakistan, had stood firmly with their Turkish brothers and sisters during Türkiye’s War of Independence despite living under British rule.

Recalling the Khilafat Movement, he said mothers had donated their gold bangles, widows had parted with their last savings and ordinary people had contributed whatever they could to support their Turkish brethren.

The prime minister said that generations later, Türkiye had reciprocated this affection by standing alongside Pakistan during its most difficult times.

He recalled Türkiye’s prompt assistance following the devastating earthquake in Pakistan in 2005 and President Erdoğan’s personal visit to flood-affected areas in 2010. He said that, as the then chief minister of Punjab, he had the honour of accompanying President Erdoğan to Muzaffargarh and adjoining areas and witnessing his personal concern for the affected people.

He also paid tribute to First Lady Emine Erdoğan for donating her personal necklace to support Pakistan’s flood victims, describing the gesture as a powerful symbol of Türkiye’s genuine affection for the Pakistani people.

He said that on President Erdoğan’s instructions, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established a modern hospital, a school and modern villages for flood-affected communities in Muzaffargarh. The Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Hospital and Emine Erdoğan School, he added, continued to serve the people by providing healthcare and education.

The prime minister said ordinary Turkish citizens from Ankara, Istanbul and towns across Anatolia had also generously contributed to relief efforts for Pakistan, demonstrating that the historic bond between the two nations extended beyond governments to their people.

Recalling the devastating earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay in February 2023, he said the people of Pakistan had shared the grief of their Turkish brothers and sisters and stood with them in their hour of sorrow, just as Türkiye had supported Pakistan during its own difficult moments.

He further recalled Türkiye’s firm support for Pakistan during Marka-e-Haq last year, when, he said, Pakistan faced Indian aggression and its sovereignty was put to a serious test. He described Türkiye’s solidarity as a source of strength and comfort for the Pakistani nation that would remain etched in its hearts and memories.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the historic friendship had evolved into a multifaceted strategic partnership encompassing political dialogue, trade and investment, defence, education, culture and people-to-people contacts.

Referring to the Makkah Agreement, signed on August 7, 2026, by Pakistan, Türkiye and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he described it as an important milestone in cooperation among the three countries, strengthening collective deterrence and reaffirming their shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

He emphasised that while strengthening their defence capabilities, the countries would continue to champion dialogue, diplomacy, respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Concluding his address, the prime minister described the relationship between the two nations in the words, “İki ruh, tek kalp” — two souls, one heart — saying that no words captured the essence of Pakistan-Türkiye friendship more accurately.

He wished Türkiye continued prosperity and its people progress and well-being, expressing confidence that the brotherly bond between the two countries would grow stronger with every passing moment.

He concluded by extending Republic Day greetings to Türkiye and reaffirming the enduring friendship between the two nations.