ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic, trade, and strategic cooperation during the 16th Pakistan–Türkiye Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held in Islamabad. The meeting was co-chaired by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler.
Both sides stressed the need to give new momentum to trade relations, calling Pakistan and Türkiye “natural partners.” Jam Kamal Khan said the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) would act as a facilitator for Turkish investors. Pakistan also offered special incentives in its Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
The JMC agreed to joint ventures in solar, wind, and hydropower, and held discussions on oil and gas exploration and LNG trade. The two sides also emphasized grid modernization and nergy conservation projects.
The commission encouraged private sectors of both countries to step forward, proposing joint bankable projects. Commending Türkiye’s achievements in defence technology, Jam Kamal Khan announced joint initiatives in defence production and technology transfer. Both sides also underlined the need for joint military training programmes.
In agriculture, the JMC decided to cooperate in seed technology, food processing, livestock, and fisheries. Proposals were also discussed to enhance collaboration in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices. Jam Kamal Khan highlighted Türkiye’s “Heal in Türkiye” initiative, calling it a new bridge for health tourism.
Education and research were declared priority sectors, with Pakistan valuing Turkish scholarships for students. A new Pakistan–Türkiye Textile Technology Centre will be established in Faisalabad, while vocational training programmes for youth were also stressed.
In the field of information technology and digital economy, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in e-commerce, fintech, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. Expansion of aviation partnerships and stronger collaboration in transport, logistics, and maritime linkages were also agreed.
Discussions also included opportunities for Pakistani skilled workers in Türkiye, as well as joint projects in media production and cultural heritage preservation. Both countries pledged to promote tourism and reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional peace and stability.
The two nations also expressed strong solidarity with the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom. The JMC protocol was declared a roadmap for future cooperation, with Jam Kamal Khan stressing that timely implementation of decisions would directly benefit the people.
