Columns In Urdu Dailies Discuss Turkey-Pakistan Defense And Trade Relations: 'Pakistan Stood With Turkey On The Cyprus Issue, While Turkey Echoed Pakistan's Stance On The Kashmir Issue'; 'Turkey And Pakistan Are Considered Leaders Of The Muslim Ummah'

Memri

25-03-2025

Following the visit of Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan to Pakistan on February 12-13, 2025, Pakistani columnists wrote articles in Urdu dailies discussing the importance of the visit in forging military and trade relations between the two Islamic powers. Pakistan is the first Islamic nuclear power state, while Turkey has emerged as a major arms manufacturer.
Columnist Mansoor Afaq wrote a piece titled "The Pakistan-Turkey Friendship," Dr. Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig authored an article titled "Pakistan-Turkey Defense Cooperation" both in the mass-circulation Urdu-language daily Roznama Jang, while Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami wrote a third column, titled "President Erdoğan's Success" in Roznama Dunya, another Urdu daily. Shami's article was focused on Erdoğan's electoral and political successes against the secular politics of Turkey, while Baig and Afaq focused on the military and trade relations between the two countries.
Erdoğan was received at the airport at midnight by President of Pakistan Asif Zardari (left) and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (right).
"It is believed that the fall of the Assad government in Syria has strengthened Ankara's position in the region. However, the entry of Israeli forces into Syria has also placed Turkey in direct confrontation with Israel. Senior Israeli security officials have also expressed concern over Turkey's increasing interference in Syria," Afaq wrote.
Baig argued that the Western sanctions against Pakistan have forced Pakistan to rely on Turkey for a range of military weapons. "This includes the upgrade of F-16 fighter jets worth $75 million, the procurement of fleet tankers for the Pakistan Navy valued at $80 million, and the upgrade of Agosta submarines costing $350 million," he added.
Following are excerpts from Afaq's article: [1]
"Turkey's Deepening Defense Relations With Pakistan Are A Cause Of Concern For India – Recently, Pakistan Signed An Agreement To Purchase Turkish Naval Ships"
"Pakistan-Turkey relations have a long history. The hearts of the people of both nations have been beating for each other for centuries. There exists a golden structure of religion and culture between the two, which is continuously growing stronger.
"A few days ago, the Turkish drama 'Ertuğrul Ghazi' gained huge popularity in Pakistan. This drama not only introduced Pakistanis to Turkish history and culture but also further strengthened the social relations between the two countries. The Pakistani people have become more familiar with Turkish culture, civilization, and history, and a new collaboration started between the two nations. Almost every Pakistani leader has made the effort to carry relations with Turkiye to new heights.
"Currently, [on February 12-13, 2025,] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is in Islamabad and is finalizing new agreements in the fields of trade, investment, banking, finance, defense, energy, agriculture, IT, health, and education.
"His visit to Pakistan is being viewed with deep concern and unease by Delhi and Washington. According to Indian media, Turkey's deepening defense relations with Pakistan are a cause of concern for India. Recently, Pakistan signed an agreement to purchase Turkish naval ships, further enhancing their defense partnership.
"In January, the two countries also conducted naval exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean which shows the growing military cooperation between the two. The U.S. media is also viewing this visit in the same context. It thinks that Washington will closely monitor the ongoing defense production cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye following this visit."
"The Turkish Military, Which Is The Largest And Most Powerful In The Middle East, Includes The Turkish Navy As One Of Its Strongest Branches – The Turkish Armed Forces Consist Of 425,000 Active Personnel And 380,000 Reserves"
"It is believed that the fall of Assad government in Syria has strengthened Ankara's position in the region. However, the entry of Israeli forces into Syria has also placed Turkey in direct confrontation with Israel. Senior Israeli security officials have also expressed concern over Turkey's increasing interference in Syria.
"In fact, the Turkish president had stated in one of his speeches that if this region had not been divided after World War I, cities like Aleppo and Homs would still be part of Turkiye today. His statement became very popular in Turkey: 'With God's help, we will reach Damascus; Jerusalem awaits us.'
"His opponents also strongly emphasize that Erdoğan's policies are aimed at restoring the Ottoman Caliphate through strategic control over Syria. In fact, the Turkish military, which is the largest and most powerful in the Middle East, includes the Turkish Navy as one of its strongest branches. The Turkish armed forces consist of 425,000 active personnel and 380,000 reserves.
"Therefore, Turkey's growing influence in Syria as a dominant power indicates that in the near future, Turkish and Israeli forces may come face-to-face on the Syrian fronts."
"Turkey Always Supported Pakistan On The International Stage, Especially Standing Firmly With Pakistan During Tensions With India And On The Issue Of Kashmir"
"If you think over the defense relations between Pakistan and Turkey, it begins with the word 'Urdu.' The word 'Urdu' originates from the Turkish language, meaning army or military. The hearts of the Muslims of the subcontinent were so deeply connected with the Ottoman Caliphate that in the early 20th century, a massive movement emerged in its support, known as the Khilafat [Caliphate] Movement. This movement was dedicated to the Ottoman Caliphate, and slogans like 'Muhammad Ali's mother said: "son, sacrifice your life for the caliphate,"' echoed here.
"After Pakistan came into being, the defense relations between Pakistan and Turkiye became extremely strong during the era of President Ayub Khan [as army chief from 1951 to 1958 and as president from 1958 to 1969]. Several agreements were made between the two countries. Joint military exercises were organized, and assistance was provided in each other's military training to further strengthen defense relations.
A screenshot from Mansoor Afaq's column
"Both countries took several important steps to enhance trade relations. Pakistan increased the supply of agricultural products, especially wheat and rice, to Turkey while Turkey provided industrial machinery to Pakistan. During this period, both the countries made efforts to harmonize their trade policies to boost bilateral trade.
"Turkey always supported Pakistan on the international stage, especially standing firmly with Pakistan during tensions with India and on the issue of Kashmir. During Ayub Khan's era, cultural relations between Pakistan and Turkey were also strengthened. The people of both countries respected each other's cultures and traditions and participated in each other's cultural programs.
"Turkey sent teachers to educational institutions in Pakistan, and Pakistan provided educational scholarships to Turkish students. Besides this, both countries promoted exchanges in the arts, music, and literature, which continued steadily. It is expected that the current visit of the Turkish president to Pakistan will build a new structure on the old foundations of the relationship between the two countries, marking the beginning of a new era."
Following are excerpts from Dr. Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig's article: [2]
Erdoğan "Also Met With Army Chief General Asim Munir, During Which Discussions Were Held On Defense Relations Between Pakistan And Turkey"
"In recent days, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Pakistan on a two-day trip. His regional tour also included visits to Malaysia and Indonesia. Turkey and Pakistan are considered leaders of the Muslim Ummah. Following U.S. President Donald Trump's statement about resettling Gaza's Palestinians in Saudi Arabia, which was rejected by all Islamic countries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to three Islamic nations held great significance.
"During his visit to Pakistan, the Turkish president signed 24 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering various sectors, including tourism, education, IT, defense, and infrastructure.
"On this occasion, both sides agreed to take further steps to increase Pakistan-Turkey trade to $5 billion. Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan jointly chaired the seventh meeting of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
"During his visit, the Turkish President met with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where both leaders agreed to enhance trade, investment, and bilateral relations. He also met with Army Chief General Asim Munir, during which discussions were held on defense relations between Pakistan and Turkey."
"Due To Defense Sanctions Imposed By The U.S... Pakistan's Reliance On Turkey For Defense Production Has Been Increasing"; "Pakistan Has Signed Agreements With Turkey For The Purchase Of 30 Military Helicopters And Surveillance Drones Worth $1.5 Billion"
"Turkey is set to become one of the world's top 10 economies in the coming years. The country has a population of 85.3 million, while its GDP has grown to $1,344 billion over the past five years, with a per capita income of $15,666.
"Turkey's total exports stand at $254 billion, while its imports amount to $363 billion. In Turkey's economy, agriculture contributes 6 percent, manufacturing 40 percent, and services 54 percent. However, rising inflation remains a major challenge, reaching 60 percent.
"The trade volume between Pakistan and Turkey stands at $1.4 billion, with Pakistan exporting $440 million to Turkey and Turkey exporting $918 million to Pakistan. This results in a trade surplus in Turkey's favor.
"Due to defense sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other Western countries on Pakistan and Turkey, Pakistan's reliance on Turkey for defense production has been increasing over the past several decades. This includes the upgrade of F-16 fighter jets worth $75 million, the procurement of fleet tankers for the Pakistan Navy valued at $80 million, and the upgrade of Agosta submarines costing $350 million.
"In addition, Pakistan has signed agreements with Turkey for the purchase of 30 military helicopters and surveillance drones worth $1.5 billion. According to reports, Pakistan has placed defense equipment orders worth a total of $3 billion with Turkey and is set to join Turkey's National Fighter Jet Program (KAAN) soon. For this project, over 200 Pakistani engineers are working alongside Turkish experts, highlighting Pakistan's growing reliance on Turkey for defense equipment and the increasing defense cooperation between the two nations."
"Given The Increasing U.S. Intervention In The Region And The Current Tense Geopolitical Situation, Pakistan Must Collaborate With Turkey And Other Islamic Nations To Play An Active Role"
"Turkey actively participated in the recent joint Aman exercises of the Pakistan Navy, showing the strong defense cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey. In the global defense market, after the U.S., China, and Russia, Turkey has rapidly emerged as a leading producer of advanced defense technology, with 2,500 Turkish companies playing a key role in this development.
"During Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit, the announcement by Turkish companies [that they would] invest in Pakistan's Special Investment Zone is a highly welcome development. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's decision to facilitate visas for Turkish businessmen marks a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The Turkish government has already been providing visa facilitation to Pakistani businessmen.
"In the past, Pakistan's denim fabric exports to Turkey were continuously increasing. However, under pressure from Turkey's domestic denim industry, the Turkish government imposed an additional 18 percent local protection duty on Pakistan's textile exports, raising the total duty to 24 percent. As a result, denim fabric exports to Turkey nearly came to a halt, dealing a major blow to Pakistan's denim industry.
"During Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's tenure [2008 to 2012], I held several meetings with my Turkish counterpart as the prime minister's advisor on textiles, striving for a Pakistan-Turkey Free Trade Agreement (FTA). However, due to pressure from Turkey's domestic textile industry, Turkey was unwilling to grant duty-free export access to Pakistan's textile products under the FTA.
A screenshot from Dr. Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig's article
"During the PDM [Pakistan Democratic Movement, anti-Imran Khan] government [2022-23], Federal Minister for Commerce Naveed Qamar signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and Trade in Goods Agreement (TGA) to enhance trade between Pakistan and Turkey. However, due to reservations from Turkey's domestic textile industry, duty-free concessions were not granted for Pakistan's textile and denim exports to Turkey under this agreement.
"Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is highly popular among the Muslim Ummah and the Turkish people. He has gradually guided Turks, influenced by the European environment, back toward Islam, and in this movement, the Turkish drama 'Diriliş: Ertuğrul' played a significant role. Given the increasing U.S. intervention in the region and the current tense geopolitical situation, Pakistan must collaborate with Turkey and other Islamic nations to play an active role."
Following are excerpts from Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami's article: [3]
"Both Nations Have Stood By Each Other In Every Moment Of Trial – Pakistan Stood With Turkey On The Cyprus Issue, While Turkey Echoed Pakistan's Stance On Kashmir Issue"
"Recep Tayyip Erdoğan... arrived at Rawalpindi's Nur Khan Airbase around 12 am in his special aircraft. President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, cabinet members, and high-ranking officials were present to welcome him. This was a clear indication that he is an extraordinary guest.
"The Turkey-Pakistan friendship has spanned years. Even when Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had not come into power, the hearts of the people of both nations beat as one. During the Khilafat Movement and the trials that Turkey faced afterward, the Muslims of the subcontinent stood passionately by its side. When launched the fundraising campaigns for their brothers in distress, the women even donated their jewelry [to the fighters who were on the side of the fallen Turkish leader]. The Turkish brothers have not forgotten this display of sacrifice and love to this day.
"Pakistan is the inheritor of the glory and grandeur of the Muslims of the subcontinent, which is why it shares a special bond with Turkey. According to the highly distinguished Pakistani intellectual Dr. Furqan Hameed, who resides in Turkey, there is a Turkish saying that Turks have no friends but Turks, but all the Turks agree that Pakistan is an exception to this rule. It is a true and tested friend of the Turks.
"Both nations have stood by each other in every moment of trial. Pakistan stood with Turkey on the Cyprus issue, while Turkey echoed Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue. When wars were imposed on Pakistan, Turkey went above and beyond to support its brotherly nation. Upon coming into power, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, further deepened this bond and love. He holds a heartfelt love for Pakistan, and in return, he is one of the most beloved figures among the people of Pakistan. A major reason for this is that he has corrected Turkey's ideological direction. He pulled it out from the self-created whirlpool of secularism and firmly reconnected with his lost past."
"His Party Succeeded In The Elections, But He Was Arrested For Reciting A Poem That Referred To The Mosque's Minbar And Mihrab [Pulpit] As His Source Of Strength"
"When Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived [in Pakistan], his wife was also with him with her head covered. She was wearing a scarf, which is known as the hijab among Turks and adorns the heads of Muslim women... There was a time when it was impossible for a woman to participate in an official ceremony with her head covered. Even the daughters of the Turkish president had to get education at American universities because they were not allowed to wear headscarves in Turkey.
"The campaign launched by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk [who founded the Republic of Turkey and abolished the Ottoman caliphate] against conservatism and the interpretation of secularism he imposed made it difficult to openly uphold certain religious values. When Recep Tayyip Erdoğan came to power, he changed the country's direction, and now women there freely choose to wear 'hijab.' Whether it's official ceremonies or educational institutions, no one dares to stop or question them.
"President Erdoğan has been in power for the past 22-23 years. Born in the poor family of a coast guard, this poor child, through his hard work and perseverance, has achieved a status that no one else has attained since Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. After Atatürk, he has emerged as the second great leader of Turkey who has elevated his country to new heights.
"In Turkey, the army considered itself the guardian of the state and its secular values, and on several occasions, it intervened, turning political leaders and parties into symbol of admonition. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joined Necmettin Erbakan's National Welfare Party, but after its ban, he charted his own path. He founded his own party and, in no time, turned it into Turkey's largest and most influential political party. After being elected as the mayor of Istanbul, he transformed the city, providing its residents with amenities they could not have imagined. This achievement alone established his reputation across all of Turkey.
A screenshot of Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami's article
"His party succeeded in the elections, but he was arrested for reciting a poem that referred to the mosque's minbar and mihrab [pulpit] as his source of strength. This bold act led to his disqualification from participating in the elections, and he also had to endure several months in prison. When his party won the elections and formed the government, the path to his release was cleared. Taking part in a by-election, he became the prime minister, and more than two decades have passed since then but his grip on power has not loosened.
"He has secured electoral victories, held referendums, implemented constitutional reforms, and transformed the parliamentary system into a presidential one. First as prime minister and later as president, he continued to lead his country, rather, he still leads it to this day. [He] passed through numerous ups and downs. The economy rose and fell but his resolve has never been broken."
"Turkey Established Itself Economically And Today It Is The 17th Largest Economy In The World – It Is Distinguished In Terms Of Defense Production"
"After the [July 2016 failed] military coup against Erdoğan, he stepped into the arena, called out to the people through social media. [The people] said 'yes,' attacked the military forces, and for the first time, the rebellious generals were thwarted through the power of the masses. Those responsible faced trials, were dealt with according to the law, and the political body was cleansed. Turkey established itself economically and today it is the 17th-largest economy in the world. It is distinguished in terms of defense production.
"The extent of industrial progress can be gauged from the fact that he gifted Turkish-made electric cars to President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The per capita income in Turkiye has now exceeded $11,000. President Erdoğan is also making progress on the foreign front. Though he stands firmly against Israeli aggression, his role in the removal of Bashar Al-Assad's government in Syria is also notable. During the Russia-Ukraine war, he elevated his stature by playing a mediating role.
"President Erdoğan has visited Pakistan for the 10th time and has addressed the Pakistani parliament on four occasions. He has also been honored with Pakistan's highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan. The cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in defense and trade sectors is growing day by day. Both the countries are determined for the promotion of bilateral trade. He has had personal relations with both [former] prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan, and Shehbaz Sharif is also a favored personality of Turkey.
"The way Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has progressed holds a significant lesson for Pakistani politicians, especially Imran Khan. He has transformed the system from within, turning the power of the people into his own strength, and has not recklessly clashed with iron walls [i.e., the Pakistani army] in anger. Imran Khan, who was a major proponent of change and came to power with slogans of eradicating corruption from Pakistan, later... he lost his balance after losing power, and the trial he put his supporters through, have resulted in him being where he should not have been [i.e., in prison]..."
[1] Jang.com.pk (Pakistan), February 14, 2025.
[2] Jang.com.pk (Pakistan), February 24, 2025.
[3] E.Dunya.com.pk (Pakistan), February 16, 2025.