The Minister of National Defence of Türkiye arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for an official visit aimed at strengthening defence collaboration between Pakistan and Türkiye. Upon landing, he was received by Additional Foreign Secretary Syed Ali Asad Gillani, signaling the importance of the trip. The two nations, known for their deep-rooted brotherly relations, are set to discuss enhanced military cooperation, regional security, and shared strategic interests.
During his stay, the Turkish Defence Minister will hold meetings with top Pakistani officials to explore new avenues for defence partnerships. The visit highlights the growing strategic alignment between Islamabad and Ankara, particularly in defence technology, joint military exercises, and counter-terrorism efforts. Both countries have historically supported each other on key geopolitical issues, reinforcing their strong alliance.
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also arrived in Islamabad late Tuesday night for a separate but closely linked diplomatic mission. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, and Army Chief Asim Munir to discuss further strengthening bilateral ties. The back-to-back visits underscore Türkiye’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Pakistan.
However, Türkiye’s growing defence and diplomatic ties with Pakistan have caused friction with India. Following Ankara’s vocal support for Islamabad, Indian businesses boycotted Turkish products, and New Delhi revoked security clearance for Turkish aviation firm Celebi, citing “national security” concerns. Despite these challenges, Türkiye continues to prioritize its strong alliance with Pakistan while managing its broader regional engagements.