ISLAMABAD: Former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China, and the United Nations, Sardar Masood Khan, has emphasized the strategic importance of Pakistan and Türkiye’s collaboration in reshaping the regional security and economic landscape. He highlighted the crucial timing of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Türkiye amid the ongoing geopolitical shifts following the Iran-Israel conflict, advocating for strengthened ties to promote peace and stability in West Asia.
According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan, Pakistan and Türkiye have historically enjoyed close political and strategic relations. These ties are underpinned by mutual trust and shared interests, further bolstered by the countries’ collaborative efforts in facilitating diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran. Khan stressed the importance of sustained dialogue as the only viable path to regional peace.
The economic relationship between the two nations is set to expand, with a target to increase bilateral trade from approximately $1.4 billion to $5 billion over the next three years. Key areas identified for growth include information technology, telecommunications, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and livestock. Defence cooperation also remains a significant aspect of their partnership, with ongoing projects like the construction of MILGEM corvettes and collaboration in defence technology.
Sardar Masood Khan also discussed the proposed Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail corridor as a transformative initiative to boost regional trade and economic integration. He noted that this corridor could enhance connectivity and complement broader regional development efforts, thus strengthening economic resilience.
Reflecting on the post-war security framework in West Asia, Khan underscored the potential role of Pakistan and Türkiye in promoting collective security and economic cooperation. He urged both countries to leverage their partnership to foster a rules-based international order focused on diplomacy, regional connectivity, and peaceful coexistence.