Aslam Chandio (Senior Analyst, TRT, Istanbul): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has successfully concluded his two-day visit to Turkiye. Yesterday, Pakistan acquired Turkish built MILGEM warship whose induction into Pakistan Navy would augment Pakistan’s efforts to maintain peace in the region. The visit of the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Turkiye was critical as it was aimed at attracting Turkish investment into the country. Turkiye can support Pakistan in the field of green energy, industrialization and solar power projects. Both the countries have agreed to increase the bilateral trade volume to 5 billion dollars that currently stands at around 1-1.5 billion dollars. It is a very low volume keeping in view the trade potential between the two countries. Pakistan can take the benefit of Turkish expertise in industrialization and green energy projects to boost its economy.

Dr. Furqan Hameed (Senior Journalist, TRT Turkey): Pakistan and Turkiye have had strong relations for a long time but unfortunately the trade volume between the two countries does not justify the actual potential. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed willingness to take the two-way trade volume from 1 billion dollars to 5 billion dollars in the next three years. The Prime minister has a quality to honor his commitments. He has invited Turkish investors to come and invest in green energy projects in Pakistan. Turkiye is very advanced in harnessing the solar power to produce electricity and is supplying its solar panels to European countries. The Prime Minister has assured the Turkish investors that they will be provided an ease of doing business environment in Pakistan. Moreover, he also assured the Turkish investors to address their concerns and payment issues.

Shahid Kiani (Former Ambassador): We have been witnessing a visible improvement in relations with other countries for the last eight months that were disrupted during the era of the previous government. The bilateral issues with other countries can be resolved only through effective diplomacy. The warm support of the international community for the flood victims in Pakistan is a clear indication that our relations with other countries are now back on track. The Prime Minister has given the assurances to the Turkish investors that their interests will be protected if they invest in solar power projects in Pakistan.