Pak-Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Group Meeting Focuses on Strengthening Bilateral Ties,Addressing Key Challenges

ISLAMABAD -UNS:A meeting of the Pak-Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Group, organized by Ms. Misbah Khar, Secretary of the Parliamentary Friendship Group, and convened by Senator Ashraf Ali Jatoi, was held Wednesday at the Parliament House. The meeting was attended by Ambassador Mr. Irfan Neziroğlu, Deputy Head of Mission/First Counselor Mr. Berk Ece, Counselor Mrs. Yaprak Ece, and Secretary Mr. Buğra Zaimoğlu. Senator Ashraf Ali Jatoi, along with Senators Husna Bano, Muhammad Aslam Abro, Dost Ali Jessar, Saleem Mandviwalla, Nasir Mehmood, and Zeeshan Khanzada, welcomed the Turkish delegation and reaffirmed the strong and ongoing cooperation between the two nations.
Senator Jatoi acknowledged the progress made in bilateral relations while emphasizing that more needs to be done, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to advancing shared objectives. He highlighted Karachi’s role as a key investment hub for Turkey, underscoring the potential for further collaboration. The Senator along with other members also extended condolences for the recent attack in Ankara.
H.E. Mr. Irfan Neziroğlu expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s strong support following the attack and noted that both countries are planning high-level discussions to advance bilateral ties. He emphasized that Turkey and Pakistan share deep fraternal ties and that neither country can substitute the other.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla praised the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two nations and acknowledged the role of Turkish ambassadors in strengthening ties. He recalled past efforts to boost trade, but noted that trade targets have not been met. He called for further efforts to address trade barriers and highlighted Pakistanis’ growing affinity for Turkey, citing increased Turkish citizenship. Senator Mandviwalla also raised concerns about delays in cargo transport and urged for urgent steps to resolve this issue.
Senator Zeeshan Khanzada emphasized the importance of the recent agreement between Pakistan’s Interior Minister and the Turkish Minister for the repatriation of Pakistani prisoners from Turkey. He further discussed the vital role of overseas Pakistanis in the country’s economy and the potential for expanded trade, especially in Turkish machinery, which is of high quality and affordable. He also advocated for more opportunities to open up trade and business channels between both nations.
Senator Dost Ali Jessar praised the strong defense relations between Turkey and Pakistan, while Senator Nasir Mehmood commended their brotherly ties. Senator Husna Bano highlighted the potential for bilateral cooperation in Balochistan through exchange programs with Turkey.
Furthermore, Senator Anusha Rahman Khan, as Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, noted the interest of Pakistani businessmen in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in supplements and vitamins, and highlighted the potential for collaboration with Turkish counterparts. She also suggested exploring collaboration in the halal meat sector and offered to arrange meetings between Pakistani entrepreneurs and the Turkish delegation. Senator Rahman emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities to meet the growing demand for basic ingredients in Pakistan and called for a stronger global voice in combating online anti-Islamic content.
During the candid exchange of dialogue in the meeting, H.E. Mr. Irfan Neziroğlu reiterated Turkey’s commitment to strengthening ties with Pakistan, emphasizing the need to resolve logistical and sea transportation issues, particularly in the textile sector. He expressed readiness to consider all suggestions for overcoming challenges and maximizing collaboration.
Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Berk Ece stressed the need for both countries to identify and address barriers, particularly in joint ventures like pharmaceuticals. He also noted the lack of financial support for businesses, which has hindered participation. H.E. Mr. Irfan Neziroğlu also highlighted Pakistan’s prominent position in higher education, with over 300 Pakistani students studying at Turkish universities, and reaffirmed the commitment to utilizing all resources to further enhance educational and economic cooperation. In the closing remarks, it was emphasized that additional follow-up meetings will be convened, during which the Turkish Friendship Parliamentary Group will be invited to participate.