By Khawaja Hamza
Islamabad, This week marked a pivotal chapter in the evolving strategic partnership between Pakistan and the Republic of Türkiye, as senior Turkish officials conducted a coordinated visit to Islamabad. The presence of Turkish Minister of National Defence Mr. Yaşar Güler and Foreign Minister Mr. Hakan Fidan underscored the growing depth and breadth of bilateral cooperation across defence, diplomacy, and economic engagement.
Elevating Defence Collaboration
At the heart of this strategic dialogue was a high-level engagement at Pakistan Air Force’s Air Headquarters, where Mr. Güler met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. The discussions focused on regional security challenges, defence modernization, and enhanced collaboration in emerging domains — including aerospace technologies, unmanned aerial systems, and disruptive military innovations.
The two sides agreed to form joint working groups to streamline initiatives and accelerate progress in key areas. Air Chief Marshal Sidhu reaffirmed PAF’s commitment to deepening ties with its Turkish counterpart, particularly through technology transfer and advanced training programs. Mr. Güler, in turn, lauded the professionalism and operational excellence of the PAF, commending its role during recent regional contingencies and recognizing ongoing efforts such as the pilot exchange initiative, a key step toward enhancing interoperability.
Advancing Strategic Diplomacy
In parallel, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar hosted the inaugural meeting of the Joint Commission under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). Co-chaired by both foreign ministers, the forum reviewed progress across twelve Joint Standing Committees, with a focus on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, education, and infrastructure development.
A major announcement from the meeting was the intent to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Karachi, dedicated to facilitating Turkish investment and industrial activity. This initiative reflects the shared commitment to institutionalizing economic cooperation and leveraging strategic geography for mutual benefit.
The upcoming session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) — to be co-chaired by Türkiye’s Minister of Defence and Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce — is expected to further boost economic synergies, particularly in defence production and strategic industries.
A Shared Vision for Regional Stability
Beyond bilateral cooperation, both sides engaged in a robust exchange on regional and global developments, reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development across the Muslim world and broader Eurasian region. The convergence of views on key international issues continues to position Pakistan and Türkiye as close partners in shaping a rules-based, multipolar regional order.
The July 9 engagements serve as a powerful reminder of the multidimensional nature of Pakistan–Türkiye relations. From defence cooperation and aerospace collaboration to economic planning and diplomatic alignment, the partnership continues to grow in scope and strategic relevance.
With institutional mechanisms now in place, and political will evident on both sides, the transformation of historical brotherhood into a forward-looking strategic alliance appears not only possible — but imminent.
