Iran

Pakistan enjoys cordial relations with Iran based on religious bonds, historic linkages and cultural affinities. Iran was one of the first countries to recognize Pakistan after its independence in 1947. In addition to Pakistan’s embassy in Tehran, Pakistan have consulates in Zahidan and Mashaad.

In the last few years cooperation with Iran has increased across the entire spectrum of bilateral relations including the political, economic, energy and cultural domains. Both countries are committed to increase economic cooperation in particular by leveraging existing institutional mechanisms such as Joint Economic Commission (JEC), Joint-Border Trade Committee (JBTC), Joint Trade Committee (JTC) and Joint Border Commission (JBC). In recent years, initiatives such as border sustenance marketplaces were implemented to enhance economic and trade activity, support the border areas and improve the well-being of inhabitants along the common border. In May 2023, Former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Ebrahim Raisi jointly inaugurated ‘Mand-Pishin Border Sustenance Marketplace’ and ‘220 kV Polan-Gabd Electricity Transmission Line’ projects as tangible manifestation of cooperation between the two countries.

Pakistan and Iran enjoy excellent people to people contacts. An estimated 0.7 million Pakistani Zaireen visit Iran every year for ziaraat purpose.A number of Pakistani students is also studying in Iranian educational institutions, particularly in medical universities.

Turkiye

Pakistan and Turkiye enjoy excellent bilateral relations exhibited through high-level exchanges and regular bilateral consultations on issues of regional and global significance. Pakistan and Turkiye established diplomatic relations on 30^th November 1947.  Pakistan has embassy in Ankara as well as a consulate in Istanbul.

High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) framework between Pakistan and Turkiye provides a leadership driven impetus to this strategic bilateral cooperation. Six (06) sessions have been held thus far, encompassing broad array of areas including education, economy, banking & finance, energy, investment, culture etc.

Economic cooperation between both countries remain an area of special priority (In 2022, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Turkiye reached USD 1.3 billion. Pakistan’s exports to Türkiye reached USD 432.4 million while imports amounted to USD 870 million). A preferential trade agreement, titled ‘Trade in Goods Agreement’ (TGA), was signed by both sides on 12 August 2022 in Islamabad with a view to achieve bilateral trade target of USD 5 billion in 3 years. Several dozen Turkish companies are present in Pakistan.

Pakistan and Turkiye relationship is characterized by strong strategic and defence ties. Its tangible manifestation is the MILGEM project.  This project marks a significant milestone in our defense ties – the joint venture not only fulfils critical needs of the Pakistan Navy, but is also a tangible step towards self-reliance and indigenization and opens a new vista of closer collaboration between Pakistan and Turkiye in the security realm. The Pakistan-Turkiye strategic partnership is a source of stability for the entire region.

Pakistan and Turkiye have deep rooted people to people contacts. This brotherhood is based on excellent current bilateral relationship as well as historical affinity between Muslims of both nations. The poetry of Allama Iqbal, the national poet of Pakistan, represents transcendental bond between the people of both countries.

There are is small but vibrant Pakistani community residing in Türkiye. It  consisting of students, businessmen, professionals and academicians, concentrated in major cities, particularly Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Izmir, and Bursa.