A meeting of the Pak-Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Group, organized by Ms. Misbah Khar, Secretary of the Parliamentary Friendship Group, and convened by Senator Ashraf Ali Jatoi, was held today at the Parliament House. The meeting was attended by Ambassador Mr. Irfan Neziro?lu, Deputy Head of Mission/First Counselor Mr. Berk Ece, Counselor Mrs. Yaprak Ece, and Secretary Mr. Bu?ra Zaimo?lu. Senator Ashraf Ali Jatoi, along with Senators Husna Bano, Muhammad Aslam Abro, Dost Ali Jessar, Saleem Mandviwalla, Nasir Mehmood, and Zeeshan Khanzada, welcomed the Turkish delegation and reaffirmed the strong and ongoing cooperation between the two nations.

Senator Jatoi acknowledged the progress made in bilateral relations while emphasizing that more needs to be done, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to advancing shared objectives. He highlighted Karachi’s role as a key investment hub for Turkey, underscoring the potential for further collaboration. The Senator along with other members also extended condolences for the recent attack in Ankara. H.E. Mr. Irfan Neziro?lu expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s strong support following the attack and noted that both countries are planning high-level discussions to advance bilateral ties. He emphasized that Turkey and Pakistan share deep fraternal ties and that neither country can substitute the other.

Senator Saleem Mandviwalla praised the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two nations and acknowledged the role of Turkish ambassadors in strengthening ties. He recalled past efforts to boost trade, but noted that trade targets have not been met. He called for further efforts to address trade barriers and highlighted Pakistanis’ growing affinity for Turkey, citing increased Turkish citizenship. Senator Mandviwalla also raised concerns about delays in cargo transport and urged for urgent steps to resolve this issue. Senator Zeeshan Khanzada emphasized the importance of the recent agreement between Pakistan’s Interior Minister and the Turkish Minister for the repatriation of Pakistani prisoners from Turkey.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)