Pakistan and Türkiye have a special affinity that transcends geographical borders. These two countries have strong historical and cultural ties, which have helped to build a strategic alliance based on respect and common principles. Pakistan offers its heartfelt congratulations to the people and government of Türkiye on the occasion of the Republic Day of the Republic of Türkiye.
With an emphasis on the political relations, diaspora, economic association, cultural exchanges, defense cooperation, and educational links, this article seeks to offer insight into the complex connection between Pakistan and Türkiye.
The crescent and star on the Turkish red flag and the Pakistani green and white flag signify our shared commitment to peace and growth. The friendship between Türkiye and Pakistan is not just diplomatic but also profoundly anchored in our shared brotherhood.
Over the decades, our strategic alliance has changed, fortifying our shared determination to tackle obstacles as a team. Türkiye and Pakistan advocate justice and peace on all fronts, from regional peace initiatives to international forums.
Political Relations
When Pakistan gained independence in 1947, Turkey, now known as Türkiye, was among the first countries to recognize the new nation and establish diplomatic ties. These nations’ founders, Muhammad Ali Jinnah for Pakistan and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk for Türkiye, shared a modernist and secularist vision. Jinnah’s appreciation for Atatürk’s leadership laid the groundwork for a strong and lasting bond.
The Muslims of the Indian subcontinent united in support of their Turkish compatriots during the crucial Khilafat Movement years 1919–1922. This movement established a strong sense of unity and shared goals critical to the Pakistan cause.
Pakistan pledged to bring Türkiye’s serious concerns about the Cyprus crisis to international forums when Türkiye voiced them in the 1960s. Pakistan’s steadfast support on the Cyprus problem was much appreciated by the Turkish administration, demonstrating the depth of their alliance.
Pakistan and Türkiye were members of Western-led security alliances throughout the Cold War, including the Baghdad Pact in 1955 and CENTO in 1959. These alliances attempted to resist Soviet influence in Eurasia and increased political and security connections between Türkiye, Pakistan, and Iran. While Iran eventually withdrew from this security infrastructure, Pakistan and Türkiye continued to strengthen their ties. During the 1965 Indo-Pak war, Türkiye actively supported Pakistan. Similarly, Türkiye respected Pakistan’s sensibilities during and after the 1971 war.
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There have been disagreements in the relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye, most notably in the 1990s, about the Afghan question. However, the strong personal rapport between their political leadership and the focused efforts of their diplomatic corps reduced the likelihood of any fallout. This emphasized their bond’s tenacity, which extended beyond ordinary political leadership to the institutional level.
The establishment of the High-Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) in 2009, which was later advanced to the level of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), institutionalized the two countries relations. These meetings resulted in several agreements that strengthened their ties in various disciplines.
Significant agreements to strengthen ties in several areas were struck at the Fourth Türkiye-Pakistan HLCC Meeting in February 2013 in Islamabad, one of the meeting’s notable events. During the 4th meeting, co-chaired by Prime Minister Davutoğlu and Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, views on regional, international, and bilateral issues were exchanged. The final HLSCC meeting was held in Türkiye in September 2013.
The Pakistan-Türkiye friendship reached new heights with the election of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The priority of Erdoğan’s government on establishing ties with Muslim states around the region provides an additional foundation of support for their partnership. The concentration on religious and cultural relations has strengthened their relationship. In 2020, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan paid a state visit to Pakistan. During his two-day trip to Pakistan, the President and a high-profile team met with Imran Khan, the country’s Prime Minister, for bilateral talks. During President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Islamabad, the HLSCC had its 6th meeting.
To further strengthen defense ties, President Arif Alvi traveled to Türkiye in August 2021 to witness the launch of MILGEM-class corvette ships. Former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was present at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in June 2021.
For the meetings of the OIC Foreign Ministers Council in March 2022, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, traveled to Islamabad. President Shahbaz Sharif most recently visited Ankara in 2023 to congratulate Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on his presidential election, demonstrating the continuous warmth and relevance of this bilateral relationship.
Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, recently met his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, during the 27th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Azerbaijan. Their meeting was marked by warmth and friendliness, with both diplomats expressing their eagerness to blossom Pakistan-Türkiye relations further.
Economic Associations
Türkiye and Pakistan have established a growing economic partnership over the years. Trade volumes have increased, benefiting both countries. Pakistan exported goods worth $266.5 million to Turkey in 2021, whereas Türkiye exported goods worth $867.8 million to Pakistan. This considerable trade volume demonstrates the importance of their economic connection.
The export and import portfolios of both nations are diverse. Pakistan exports mainly cereals, cotton, and textile items, while Türkiye exports Mineral fuels, electronic devices, machinery, and industrial equipment. Türkiye is Pakistan’s primary importer of clothing, cotton textiles, and artificial dyes. This flow of goods has been essential in developing their economic connections.
Investments and commercial endeavors are included in the economic relationship. Turkish businesses are well-represented in Pakistan, mainly in the infrastructure, energy, finance, and construction sectors. Conversely, Pakistan has around 230 companies operating in Türkiye, with direct investments totaling 80 million dollars.
Diaspora Connections
One of the most striking elements of the Pakistan-Türkiye relationship is the existence of a sizable diaspora in both nations. This diaspora serves as a bridge, fostering cultural and economic ties between the two countries. A strong Pakistani population in Türkiye plays an essential role in linking the two countries. They contribute to Turkish society through varied occupations, cultural understanding, and serving as a symbol of deep-rooted friendship.
Similarly, Turkish expats in Pakistan have discovered a welcoming atmosphere in which they not only contribute to the local economy but also serve as ambassadors of Turkish culture. This reciprocal human interchange strengthens the bonds between the two societies and opens the door to a closer, more meaningful relationship.
Cultural Interactions
Cultural diplomacy is crucial in fortifying ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. Both nations take great pride in their shared history with the rest of the globe. From festivals celebrating Pakistani culture in Türkiye to exhibitions displaying Turkish art and heritage in Pakistan, the two countries have engaged in various cultural interactions.
Türkiye and Pakistan have shared historical influences, artistic manifestations, and traditions, and their cultural interactions attest to this. Our great past unites us, from the magnificent architecture of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul to the majesty of the Lahore Fort in Pakistan. The links between our civilizations have been deepened through the sharing of art, music, and stories. We love Turkish delights as much as we love Pakistani biryani.
The “Pakistan Cultural Centre” in Türkiye and the “Turkish Cultural Centre” in Pakistan operate as focal points for cross-cultural interactions. These centers host events, exhibitions, and workshops to develop a better understanding of each other’s cultures. They provide musicians, artists, and academics a stage on which to present their work and exchange stories.
The popular Turkish TV series has become a cultural phenomenon in Pakistan, introducing millions of Pakistanis to Turkish culture and lifestyle. Similarly, Pakistani drama serials and music enjoy a large appeal in Türkiye. This interchange of popular culture has strengthened cultural relations between the two countries.
Collaboration in Defense
Pakistan and Türkiye have a strategic partnership that extends to defense cooperation. The two nations have collaborated on numerous defense-related projects in the past. The manufacturing of defense technologies and equipment is among the most prominent instances.
Their partnership serves as a paradigm for regional security, spanning from cooperative defense production to joint drills. Pakistan’s steadfast dedication to peace and Türkiye’s advantageous location ensure they will face challenges together, valiantly and resolutely.
Together, Pakistan and Türkiye have created a variety of defense-related products, such as drones, tanks, and naval ships. Türkiye has helped Pakistan improve its naval and air capabilities by helping to upgrade its Agosta submarines and F-16 fighter fighters. Pakistan has also purchased cutting-edge Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı combat drones from Türkiye; these Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) could be crucial in any future security.
Türkiye has declared that Pakistan may join its fifth-generation Turkish Aerospace (TA) KAAN fighter aircraft program, with Pakistani personnel already involved in its development. The degree of bilateral confidence and collaboration is demonstrated by the participation of Pakistani nationals in such high-profile initiatives that are directly related to Türkiye’s national security.
Türkiye’s ASFAT (Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı, or Defense Industry Presidency) has jointly constructed four MILGEM-class corvette ships with Pakistan’s Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.
Educational Connections
Education is fundamental to the Pakistan-Türkiye connection. Both of these countries understand that education is essential to a better future. Ankara and Islamabad are home to famous educational institutes where knowledge knows no bounds. As their work to create a better tomorrow, their quest for wisdom binds them together.
Both nations have strong scholarship programs that make student and scholar exchanges easier. Through these programs, students can pursue higher education at each other’s universities, encouraging both academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding. This year Türkiye offered 138+ scholarships, fellowships, and grants for Pakistani students.
Furthermore, multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between Pakistani and Turkish universities to encourage research collaboration and faculty exchange programs. Scientific, technological, and humanistic innovations and ground-breaking research have all been made possible by these academic affiliations.
Furthermore, the Yunus Emre Institute and the Pakistan-Türkiye Cultural and Educational Foundation play critical roles in promoting Turkish in Pakistan and Urdu in Türkiye. These organizations support language learning programs and cross-cultural interactions since language is an effective instrument for understanding and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Pakistan and Türkiye’s longstanding affinity is evidenced by the depth and breadth of their strategic and brotherly connections. The connections formed by the diaspora, political and economic associations, cultural exchanges, defense cooperation, and educational links have sweetened bilateral relations while simultaneously promoting peace and stability on a regional and global scale.
The long-lasting friendship that exists between Pakistan and Türkiye is a beautiful illustration of how enduring friendships may change and adapt to suit the demands of the present and the future. As Pakistan and Türkiye also mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, it is apparent that their friendship has only gotten stronger over the years. Their bond represents stability, collaboration, and mutual respect in a chaotic environment. It serves as a reminder that the past can influence the present and show the way forward.
On this, the Republic Day of the Republic of Turkey, the people of Pakistan extend their sincere greetings to the people and Government of Türkiye. The shared values, respect, and strong ties between these two countries continue to pave the path for a brighter and more prosperous future centered on friendship and collaboration. The Pakistan-Türkiye relationship stands as a shining example of how nations can come together to create a better world through mutual understanding and cooperation.
A student of International Relations interested in National Security strategies, with a good focus on Geo-Politics, Foreign Policy, and Public & Cultural Diplomacy.
