Day: February 13, 2025

Islamabad: Pakistan and Turkiye have committed to intensifying efforts to achieve a trade volume of five billion dollars. This commitment was made during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Pakistan-Turkiye High Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, President Erdogan addressed a press stakeout, emphasizing the need to expand the scope of the existing goods trade agreement as an initial step. He encouraged Turkish investors to engage more actively in Pakistan and focus on developing flagship projects. Erdogan highlighted the significant growth in military dialogue and defense industry cooperation, which has boosted trade and investment relations between the two nations. He also mentioned the reaffirmed determination to advance joint projects and explore new areas of cooperation, including procurement, sales, and manufacturing.

The Turkish President expressed confidence in the twenty-four agreements signed, anticipating their benefits for both countries and the broader region. He acknowledged Pakistan’s significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and reiterated Turkiye’s unwavering support in combating all forms of terrorism. Erdogan also expressed solidarity with Kashmir, affirming Turkiye’s support for resolving the dispute through dialogue based on UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Erdogan lauded Pakistan’s consistent stance on the Palestine issue, underscoring the joint efforts of both countries towards establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s consistent support on the Jammu and Kashmir issue. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Northern Cyprus and solidarity with Turkiye. Sharif acknowledged Turkiye’s steadfast support during challenging times such as floods and earthquakes, praising the compassion and generosity underlying the enduring partnership. He expressed confidence that the fraternal ties between the two nations would continue to strengthen, emphasizing that President Erdogan’s visit has elevated bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister discussed the wide range of topics covered during the meeting, from trade and investment to strategic and defense cooperation. He underscored the importance of the agreements and MOUs signed, including the announcement of a Special Economic Zone to be developed by Turkish firms for industrial production. Sharif assured that these agreements would be diligently pursued to ensure their realization.

Following the meetings, Prime Minister Sharif hosted a luncheon in honor of President Erdogan and his delegation.

Islamabad: Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and key government officials will visit various projects of the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) on Friday. During the visit, they will review ongoing agricultural projects and facilities under GPI.

According to Radio Pakistan, the visit will include the inauguration of GPI’s Smart Agri Farm, Green Agri Mall, and Research Facility centers. The participants will be briefed on the key successes related to agricultural development under the GPI.

Additionally, there will be an exhibition of agricultural machinery and modern technology used in corporate farming. To promote awareness of agricultural innovation and development, the government officials will also tour model farms.

Islamabad: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has directed relevant authorities to expedite the operationalization of Seerat Centers. He emphasized the need for swift action during a review meeting on the Seerat Center Lahore Project held in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal also instructed the recruitment of faculty and the establishment of well-equipped libraries to facilitate academic research. He stressed the importance of these steps in ensuring that future generations are equipped with modern education, alongside the intellectual and ideological teachings inspired by the Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH).

The initiative includes the establishment of nine Seerat Chairs in public sector universities. It also involves the launch of a world-class center for gender studies and women’s rights, as well as the creation of an endowment fund to support research and academic activities.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement commemorating World Radio Day, emphasized the crucial role of radio in raising public awareness amidst various challenges. He highlighted the medium’s significance in shaping public opinion, particularly in relation to climate change and its consequences.

According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif acknowledged the essential contributions of Radio Pakistan and community stations in not only disseminating information but also in providing entertainment and promoting cultural values. He noted that climate change is a global issue, with countries worldwide striving to mitigate its impacts, which are occurring with increasing frequency.

The Prime Minister pointed out that developing nations like Pakistan are especially susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. In light of this vulnerability, he stressed the heightened importance of radio as a tool for public awareness. Prime Minister Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the roles of Radio Pakistan, FM stations, and private sector community stations.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has invited Turkish businessmen and investors to invest in diverse fields in Pakistan. Addressing the Pakistan-Turkiye Business Forum in Islamabad, he highlighted the commitment of both countries to achieve a target of five billion dollars in bilateral trade. He noted that Pakistan and Turkiye have signed various MoUs and agreements, but emphasized the need to convert them from paper to action.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister expressed his commitment to support all efforts on B2B or G2G levels to enhance business activities. He assured that the government of Pakistan will assist and facilitate Turkish investors, businessmen, and entrepreneurs in their ventures in the country. Shehbaz Sharif further reassured Turkish investors that Pakistan is their second home, emphasizing the brotherly relationship and historical friendship between Pakistan and Turkiye.

He expressed the resolve to strengthen the fraternal bond between the two nations, describing it as “two souls, one heart.” The Prime Minister praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a great leader for Turkiye and the Islamic world, acknowledging his leadership and the voice he represents for the Muslim Ummah, particularly for the oppressed people of Gaza, Palestine, and Kashmir.

During the Forum, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlighted the need to improve joint trade connectivity, specifically in rail and road transport. He invited Pakistani companies to invest in Turkiye across different sectors, noting the strengthening bilateral trade between the two nations. Erdogan mentioned that the trade volume in 2024 increased by approximately thirty percent, reaching 1.4 billion dollars.

He expressed optimism that expanding the scope of the existing trade agreement would contribute to a stable and balanced increase in trade volume. President Erdogan remarked on Pakistan’s dynamic population, fertile agricultural lands, and strategic position on international trade routes, positioning it as a leading candidate to become a major economy in the future. He noted that more than fifty Turkish public and private companies are currently operating in Pakistan.

Reflecting on the 2023 earthquake in Turkiye, President Erdogan appreciated the support, prayers, and solidarity of the Pakistani people during those challenging times. He also vowed continued support for Pakistan in every testing time.

Islamabad: President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan has arrived at the Prime Minister’s House for talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Upon arrival, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif accorded a warm welcome to the Turkish President.

According to Radio Pakistan, a formal welcome ceremony was held in honor of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad. A contingent of armed forces presented a guard of honor to the visiting dignitary. National anthems of both countries were played.