What happened
According to Dawn, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that Pakistan and Turkiye will continue promoting diplomacy and dialogue while strengthening their military capabilities under the Makkah Defence Agreement. Speaking at an event in Islamabad honoring Turkiye's 103rd national day, the premier praised the deep-rooted strategic and historic bond between both nations.
During his address, PM Shehbaz highlighted Turkiye's diplomatic support during the Marka-i-Haq conflict last May following aggression initiated by India. He noted that while bilateral relations have evolved into a multifaceted strategic partnership, economic cooperation needs to expand further to match their political ties.
Key facts
- Makkah Defence Agreement: Signed on August 7 between Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia, the pact aims to bolster collective deterrence and regional stability.
- Economic Development: In July, PM Shehbaz announced the President Tayyip Erdogan Special Economic Zone in Karachi during a business conference in Istanbul, inviting Turkish businesses to invest in Pakistan. Financial details were not specified in the source; please check the official notice.
- Security Bilateral Agreement: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi recently met in Istanbul to sign an agreement forming a joint working group to counter terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime.
- Historical Reciprocity: The prime minister referenced historical mutual support ranging from the Khilafat Movement to Turkish aid following Pakistan's 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods—which included building a hospital, school, and villages in Muzaffargarh—and Pakistan's support during Turkiye's February 2023 earthquake.
Why it matters
As reported by Dawn, the strengthening ties reflect a broader effort to merge defence cooperation with trade and joint economic ventures. Additionally, broader regional alignment was highlighted by a recent quadrilateral meeting between Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, where Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for greater regional unity among Islamic nations.
Source: Dawn - Home · Published October 29, 2026 · Photo by Simona Sergi on Unsplash
