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Pakistan, Turkiye Plan SEZ for Turkish Investors in Karachi, Boost Defence Ties
Pakistan & Turkiye plan Special Economic Zone in Karachi for Turkish investors. Defence ties, energy deals, & education cooperation also deepen during FM Hakan Fidan’s visit.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-09
Pakistan, Turkiye Plan SEZ for Turkish Investors in Karachi, Boost Defence Ties

Pakistan and Turkiye on Wednesday reaffirmed their strategic partnership with a series of wide-ranging initiatives including the proposed establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Karachi exclusively for Turkish investors.

The announcement came during a joint press conference by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is in Islamabad on an official visit alongside Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler.

Economic Collaboration: SEZ, Trade, and Infrastructure

Dar revealed that both nations are pursuing a dedicated SEZ in Karachi to promote Turkish entrepreneurship. This aligns with a February pledge to enhance bilateral trade to $5 billion. Talks also covered the revival of the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad (ITI) train, with roadmap finalisation expected soon.

He further announced:

·       Allocation of land for a Maarif Foundation school in Muzaffarabad.

·       Involvement of Turkish companies in Islamabad’s Jinnah Medical Complex and Daanish University projects.

·       Turkish participation in offshore drilling and power sector privatisation.

Defence and Counterterrorism Ties

Dar commended Turkiye’s success in defence indigenisation and expressed Pakistan’s interest in replicating its model. Fidan, in turn, emphasized enhancing defence cooperation and counterterrorism efforts, highlighting a recent joint anti-terror operation.

A separate high-level meeting between PAF Chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Turkish Defence Minister Guler resulted in the formation of joint working groups for collaboration in emerging technologies, unmanned systems, and pilot training.

ISPR noted both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expand joint air exercises and explore industry-to-industry defence ventures.

Joint Commission for Strategic Oversight

Dar and Fidan also co-chaired the first meeting of the Pakistan-Turkiye Joint Commission, created during President Erdogan’s February visit. All 12 Joint Standing Committees (JSCs) under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) have either met or are scheduled to meet, covering sectors such as:

·       Trade & Investment

·       Defence & Security

·       Health, Energy, Agriculture

·       Education, Science & Technology

Upcoming JSCs include:

·       Security, Defence & Intelligence (July 24)

·       Transport & Communication (Next week)

·       Defence Industries (September)

The Joint Ministerial Commission, co-chaired by Defence Minister Guler and Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, will also convene next week to boost economic cooperation.

Shared Commitment to Regional Peace

The officials discussed regional and global issues, including Afghanistan, India-Pakistan tensions, and energy security. Fidan lauded Pakistan’s “wisdom-oriented approach” in its recent conflict with India and reaffirmed Ankara’s solidarity with Islamabad on Kashmir.

Fidan also stressed growing energy cooperation, including ventures in natural gas, precious stones, and oil, while reiterating mutual goals of increasing bilateral trade and “de-risking” economic dependence on major powers.

Cultural and Educational Ties

The visit also spotlighted people-to-people contacts, including plans for more Maarif Foundation schools across Pakistan and student exchanges. Turkiye currently operates over 80 Maarif schools in the country.

Conclusion

This visit, backed by a strong institutional framework and political will, reflects an unwavering commitment to a long-term Pakistan-Turkiye strategic alliance in defence, education, energy, and economic integration.

“Pakistan and Türkiye share deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood, mutual trust, and strategic cooperation,” Dar wrote on X following the meeting.

 
Tagged:

IshaqDar

PakistanTurkiye

HakanFidan

KarachiSEZ
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