Pakistan, Türkiye to set up special economic zone

Pakistan and Türkiye are advancing plans to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Turkish entrepreneurs in Karachi, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Islamabad.

“We are pursuing the establishment of a Special Economic Zone dedicated to Turkish entrepreneurs at Karachi,” Dar said, addressing the media at the Foreign Office following Fidan’s arrival on an official visit to Pakistan. Türkiye's National Defence Minister Yasar Guler is also in the country for related engagements, Caliber.Az reports per Dawn.

In addition to economic collaboration, Dar said both countries were committed to reviving the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad (ITI) freight train service.

“Our delegations are meeting in the coming weeks to finalise the roadmap for revival,” he stated.

Dar also announced that Pakistan had allocated land for the construction of a Maarif School in Muzaffarabad under the Turkish Maarif Foundation, which, according to Fidan, currently operates more than 80 schools across Pakistan.

“A Maarif Foundation delegation is visiting Muzaffarabad today and visiting the site for evaluation,” Dar added.

Highlighting further avenues of cooperation, the deputy PM said Turkish companies were being considered for major infrastructure projects, including the Jinnah Medical Complex and Daanish University in Islamabad. He also noted their potential involvement in offshore drilling initiatives and the privatisation of electricity distribution companies in Pakistan’s power sector.

“We are actively engaged in different activities, including capacity building and counterterrorism,” Dar said, praising Türkiye’s success in expanding domestic defence production. “We would like to benefit from Türkiye’s experience and expertise,” he added.

On his part, Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening defence ties.

“Defence cooperation will be further strengthened in the coming days,” he said, calling the collaboration a “strategic step” vital for both countries’ security.

Fidan also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s “wisdom-oriented attitude” amid recent tensions with India and highlighted ongoing cooperation in the fight against terrorism. “Over a month ago, the two nations conducted a joint operation and arrested a high-ranking terrorist,” he said.

Addressing broader economic ties, Fidan said Türkiye and Pakistan were intensifying collaboration in energy, including mining, natural gas, oil, and precious stones. He also pointed to growing partnerships in education, culture, and trade.

Reaffirming the goal of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion, Fidan emphasised both nations’ commitment to deepening ties.

“We will continue to support each other in countering terrorism,” he noted.

The meeting follows a pledge made by the two countries in February during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Islamabad to boost bilateral trade to $5 billion.

By Sabina Mammadli