ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called for a robust economic partnership with Turkiye to match the deep political and strategic bond between both nations. Speaking as the chief guest at a reception in Islamabad marking the 103rd Republic Day of Turkiye, the Prime Minister emphasized turning historical goodwill into active joint ventures and employment opportunities.

The high-profile ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, along with federal ministers, parliamentarians, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Honoring Historical Solidarity and Humanitarian Relief

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended warm congratulations to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish people, praising Turkiye's growth as a defense technology pioneer and global humanitarian leader. He recalled the historic Khilafat Movement, noting that South Asian Muslims supported Turkiye's independence struggle and that Turkiye has consistently reciprocated during Pakistan's crises.

He highlighted key historical gestures of Turkish support, including:

• Disaster Assistance: Immediate aid following the 2005 earthquake and relief efforts during the 2010 floods.

• Philanthropic Gifts: The donation of a personal necklace by Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan to fund flood relief.

• Community Infrastructure: The construction of the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital, schools, and model villages in Muzaffargarh.

Expanding Economic Zones and Strategic Coalitions

Focusing on economic collaboration, PM Shehbaz highlighted the establishment of the President Tayyip Erdogan Special Economic Zone in Karachi, announced during the July business conference in Istanbul. He urged Turkish companies to leverage Pakistan’s strategic geographical location and dynamic youth demographics for industrial investment.

On the defense and diplomatic front, the Prime Minister referenced the landmark Makkah Agreement signed on August 7, 2026, between Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia. He described the trilateral framework as a major milestone designed to strengthen regional peace and collective deterrence.

Unshakable Strategic Brotherhood

Welcoming the guests, Turkish Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu paid tribute to republic founder Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, noting that his legacy inspired founding figures like Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

Ambassador Neziroglu emphasized that the two countries share a historic brotherhood bound by faith and mutual sacrifice. He highlighted recent milestones, including the Makkah Defence Agreement and the "Badr" memorandum of understanding, as foundational steps toward a deeper economic and defense alignment.