President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul on Saturday, with talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation. The meeting coincided with the Turkish-Pakistani Business Forum, highlighting shared ambitions in trade and investment.
Erdogan praised the Islamabad accord between Washington and Tehran, brokered with Pakistani and Qatari mediation, but accused Israel of trying to sabotage the deal. “We must not allow the current Israeli government to spread the smell of gunpowder and blood in our region again,” he said, stressing vigilance against attempts to derail peace.
On the economic front, Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat announced that Turkish investments in Pakistan have surpassed $2 billion, with bilateral trade valued at $1.2–1.3 billion.
He pointed to opportunities in steel, auto parts, plastics, electronics, medical devices, and industrial goods.
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Pakistani ministers showcased reforms and growth, inviting Turkish investors to participate in privatization programs and energy projects. Oil Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik revealed Pakistan holds 178 exploration licenses with a drilling success rate of 35%, above the global average. Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) won several offshore blocks in a recent tender.
Energy Minister Sardar Owais Leghari emphasized plans to privatize electricity distribution, while IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted 20% sector growth over three years, with Pakistani developers serving clients in over 70 countries.
The forum underscored the strategic partnership between Turkey and Pakistan, aiming to deepen cooperation across energy, technology, and industry, while Erdogan’s remarks signaled Ankara’s determination to counter Israeli influence in the region.