
Pakistan, Turkiye reaffirm strategic ties; condemn Israeli aggression
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir meet President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Istanbul on Saturday on the sidelines of the 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. — Photo: Radio Pakistan
Listen to article
Pakistan and Turkiye reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and strategic ties, as the leadership of both countries jointly condemned ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and expressed firm support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity under international law, Radio Pakistan reported on Saturday.
The commitment was reiterated during a key meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held in Istanbul on the sidelines of the 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, also participated in the meeting, reflecting the strategic nature of the bilateral relationship.
During the talks, the two sides strongly condemned Israel's continued aggression in Gaza, terming it a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian norms. They underscored the urgent need to halt the Israeli military campaign and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian population.
Read More: Turkiye's Erdogan warns OIC against 'new Sykes-Picot order' in Middle East
The leaders also expressed full support for Iran's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its right to self-defence under the United Nations Charter. They agreed on the importance of pursuing diplomatic avenues to de-escalate rising tensions in the region and called on the international community to play its part in restoring peace and stability.
Dar conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's warm greetings to President Erdogan and reaffirmed Pakistan's deep appreciation for its enduring relationship with Turkiye, rooted in shared values, history, and mutual trust.
The Deputy Prime Minister also congratulated President Erdogan on Turkiye's successful hosting of the OIC foreign ministers' summit and the leadership award conferred upon him by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, acknowledging his role in advancing the Muslim world's collective interests.
The presence of Field Marshal Asim Munir at the meeting underscored the comprehensive and strategic dimension of Pakistan-Turkiye ties, encompassing both diplomatic and defence cooperation.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
OGRA directs oil companies to maintain 20-day reserves amid Iran-Israel conflict
Government officials and PSO have voiced concern over 'unfair competition' and the potential threat to G2G fuel supply deals. Photo: AFP Listen to article The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has directed all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to maintain fuel reserves to ensure uninterrupted supply across the country amid evolving market conditions following the Iran-Israel conflict. In a statement issued on Saturday, OGRA spokesperson Imran Ghaznavi said all OMCs have been instructed to maintain the mandatory 20-day fuel reserves as required under their licensing terms. "OGRA further emphasises that companies must fully comply with these conditions to ensure smooth fuel supply nationwide," the statement said. Ghaznavi added that Pakistan currently has sufficient petroleum reserves to meet domestic demand. "There are adequate petroleum stocks in the country to meet present consumption levels. OGRA is actively monitoring the situation and ensuring strict oversight to uphold national energy security," he said. He further noted that proactive steps are being taken to address future energy requirements and respond to shifting market dynamics. "OGRA remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted energy supply and strengthening national energy security," Ghaznavi affirmed. Iran–Israel Conflict The recent conflict between Iran and Israel has escalated into the most intense direct confrontation in their history, as both countries exchange large-scale strikes. Israel launched 'Operation Rising Lion' with a surprise attack on June 13, targeting Iranian military leadership, nuclear facilities, and ballistic missile production sites. The operation resulted in the deaths of hundreds, including top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. Also Read : Trump eyes Iran-Israel peace via Putin In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drones and missiles at Israeli targets over the weekend, hitting both military bases and civilian infrastructure. More than 24 people were killed in Israel, and dozens more were injured. Iranian authorities say more than 400 civillians, including women and children have been kllled in Israeli assault. Among those killed in the Israeli strikes were the intelligence chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and two senior generals alongside Iran's eight nuclear scientists.


Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, Turkiye reaffirm strategic ties; condemn Israeli aggression
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir meet President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Istanbul on Saturday on the sidelines of the 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. — Photo: Radio Pakistan Listen to article Pakistan and Turkiye reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and strategic ties, as the leadership of both countries jointly condemned ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and expressed firm support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity under international law, Radio Pakistan reported on Saturday. The commitment was reiterated during a key meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held in Istanbul on the sidelines of the 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, also participated in the meeting, reflecting the strategic nature of the bilateral relationship. During the talks, the two sides strongly condemned Israel's continued aggression in Gaza, terming it a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian norms. They underscored the urgent need to halt the Israeli military campaign and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian population. Read More: Turkiye's Erdogan warns OIC against 'new Sykes-Picot order' in Middle East The leaders also expressed full support for Iran's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its right to self-defence under the United Nations Charter. They agreed on the importance of pursuing diplomatic avenues to de-escalate rising tensions in the region and called on the international community to play its part in restoring peace and stability. Dar conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's warm greetings to President Erdogan and reaffirmed Pakistan's deep appreciation for its enduring relationship with Turkiye, rooted in shared values, history, and mutual trust. The Deputy Prime Minister also congratulated President Erdogan on Turkiye's successful hosting of the OIC foreign ministers' summit and the leadership award conferred upon him by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, acknowledging his role in advancing the Muslim world's collective interests. The presence of Field Marshal Asim Munir at the meeting underscored the comprehensive and strategic dimension of Pakistan-Turkiye ties, encompassing both diplomatic and defence cooperation.


Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Gaza rescuers say Israeli fire kills 8 near aid centres, 4 others
GAZA CITY: Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli fire killed at least 12 people on Saturday, including eight who had gathered near aid distribution sites in the Palestinian territory suffering severe food shortages. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that three people were killed by gunfire from Israeli forces while waiting to collect aid in the southern Gaza Strip. In a separate incident, Bassal said five people were killed in a central area known as the Netzarim corridor, where thousands of Palestinians have gathered daily in the hope of receiving food rations. The Israeli army told AFP it was 'looking into' both incidents, which according to the civil defence agency occurred near distribution centres run by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Israeli strikes kill 44 Palestinians in Gaza Its operations began at the end of May – when Israel eased a total aid blockade that lasted more than two months – but have been marred by chaotic scenes and neutrality concerns. UN agencies and major aid groups have refused to cooperate with the foundation over concerns it was designed to cater to Israeli military objectives. The health ministry in the Hamas-run territory said on Saturday that 450 people had been killed and 3,466 others injured while seeking aid in near-daily incidents since late May. The Israeli blockade imposed in early March amid an impasse in truce negotiations had produced famine-like conditions across Gaza, according to rights groups. Israel's military has pressed its operations across Gaza more than 20 months since an unprecedented Hamas attack triggered the devastating war, and even as attention has shifted to the war with Iran since June 13. Bassal told AFP that three people were killed on Saturday in an Israeli air strike on Gaza City in the north, and one more in another strike on the southern city of Khan Yunis. Israeli forces also demolished more than 10 houses in Gaza City 'by detonating them with explosives', he added. Israeli restrictions on media in the Gaza Strip and difficulties in accessing some areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by rescuers and authorities. Earlier this week, the UN's World Health Organization warned that Gaza's health system was at a 'breaking point', pleading for fuel to be allowed into the territory to keep its remaining hospitals running.