The key facts

  • Shehbaz Sharif called Pakistan-Türkiye ties an 'economic superpower' and 'two souls, one heart'
  • He thanked Ankara for its support after the 2005 earthquake, the 2010 floods and during the conflict with India in May 2025
  • Sharif mentioned the Makkah Agreement between Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia of 7 August 2026 and the Erdogan-named special zone in Karachi

Address at Türkiye's Republic Day

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking at the ceremony marking the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye at the Turkish embassy in Islamabad, described the two countries' long-standing ties as an 'economic superpower' and thanked Ankara for its support during conflicts and natural disasters. 'The fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Türkiye run deeper than Pakistan's very birth,' he said, according to the Anadolu agency. He described the relations between the two countries with the formula 'two souls, one heart' and expressed hope for their further strengthening.

Support in crises and the 2025 conflict

Sharif congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish people, noting their shared history and cooperation in defence, trade, investment and humanitarian aid. He recalled Turkey's assistance after the 2005 earthquake and the 2010 floods in Pakistan, and also thanked Ankara for its position during the May 2025 conflict with India. 'Last year, during Marka-e-Haq, when Pakistan faced blatant aggression from India and our sovereignty was put to a serious test, Türkiye stood firmly by our side with unwavering commitment,' Anadolu quoted him as saying. Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq is Pakistan's official day of remembrance for the 2025 conflict with India.

The Makkah Agreement and a call for investment

The prime minister highlighted the Makkah Agreement, signed on 7 August 2026 by Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, saying it strengthens trilateral cooperation. 'It strengthens our collective deterrence capability and reaffirms our shared commitment to regional peace and stability,' he said, once again reaffirming support for diplomacy, international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Sharif also called on Turkish businesses to invest in Pakistan, citing the country's young population and economic opportunities, and mentioned the planned special economic zone named after President Tayyip Erdogan in Karachi, which was announced at a business conference in Istanbul in July.