Islamabad: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, engaged in a bilateral meeting with H.E. Ms. Mahinur Özdemir Gökta?, Minister of Family and Social Services of Türkiye, on the sidelines of the 9th Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in the Development of OIC Member States. The meeting, held in Islamabad, focused on strengthening the partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye in social safety and family welfare.

According to Press Information Department, Minister Shah underscored the historical ties between the two nations, emphasizing their mutual support and shared values. He detailed Pakistan’s social protection framework, highlighting institutions such as the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), which are pivotal in supporting vulnerable communities.

The discussions also acknowledged Türkiye’s advanced social protection system, with Minister Shah expressing interest in Türkiye’s digital service delivery and family-centered welfare models. The collaboration between Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency in projects like the Ramazan Food Programme was highlighted as a foundation for future joint initiatives.

The Ministers agreed on drafting a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the exchange of best practices and bolster institutional collaboration. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in social safety, protection, and community development.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts symbolizing the friendship between the two countries, attended by H.E. ?rfan Neziro?lu, Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan, and senior officials from both sides.