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PAKISTAN AND TURKIYE COMMIT TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION, TARGET $5B TRADE VOLUME Friday, 14 February, 2025 | 15 Shaban ul Moazzam, 1446
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Both nations aim to deepen ties across multiple sectors, with strong focus on defense, economy, and regional stability
Pakistan and Turkiye sign multiple agreements
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
AKISTAN and Turkiye have committed to enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including defense, economy, science, education, and health, with the shared goal of reaching a $5 billion trade volume. These discussions took place during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, alongside the 7th session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), which covered a wide range of topics, such as trade, investment, defense, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. During a joint press statement following their meetings, both leaders reiterated their determination to fight terrorism, acknowledging it as a common enemy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that the bilateral discussions touched upon crucial issues like strategic and defense cooperation, and the signing of various agreements, including one for the development of a special economic zone by a Turkish firm. Prime Minister Shehbaz, welcoming President Erdogan’s first visit to Pakistan in five years, emphasized that the two nations’ ties are deeply rooted in centuries of history, long before Pakistan’s independence. He recalled the historical support from the people of the subcontinent during Turkey’s independence movement, a bond reciprocated by the Turkish people in times of need, such as during natural disasters. The Prime Minister also praised Presi-
During Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s official visit to Pakistan, the two nations solidified their bilateral relations by exchanging a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), cooperation agreements, and protocols in various sectors. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Erdogan witnessed the signing of these documents, which are set to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye. In a key development, both leaders signed a joint declaration marking the 7th session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), reinforcing their strategic partnership. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat formalized an MoU between the Export Credit Bank of Turkiye and Pakistan’s Export Import Bank. Additionally, Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and his Turkish counterpart, Omer Bolat, exchanged documents on initiatives for digitalization and verification of trade certificates, while also signing an MoU to enhance industrial property cooperation.
The defense sector also saw significant agreements, including MoUs on the exchange of military personnel for cultural purposes and cooperation in air force electronic warfare. Defence Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Yasar Guler also signed protocols on military health training and a defense industry cooperation agreement. Notably, the two sides exchanged an MoU between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Pakistan’s Naval Research and Development Institute (NRDI). In science and technology, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Minister for Science and Technology, and Turkish Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir signed agreements in the fields of halal trade and legal metrology infrastructure. Furthermore, Pakistan and Turkiye made strides in the agriculture sector with an amended Seed Protocol and a cooperation agreement on water management, signed by the respective ministers. The energy sector saw the signing of agreements focusing on hydrocarbons, energy transition, and mining cooperation, with the energy ministers of both countries formalizing the deals. Similarly, media and cultural cooperation flourished with MoUs on public relations, communications, and religious services signed by various ministers.
the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Additionally, President Erdogan thanked Pakistan for its support of Turkiye’s cause regarding Northern Cyprus
and its joint efforts at the United Nations and OIC in advocating for Palestinian rights. He reiterated Turkiye’s commitment to supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
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dent Erdogan as a respected leader within the Muslim world for his steadfast positions on critical issues, including Gaza, Palestine, and Kashmir. He expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s continued support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and acknowledged Turkish efforts during the aftermath of Pakistan’s 2010 floods. Further, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Turkiye in combating terrorism and called on the Afghan government to play its role in eliminating this shared threat. In his remarks, President Erdogan underscored that the HLSCC serves as the highest mechanism to institutionalize the enduring friendship between the two nations. He noted that the meeting had resulted in 24 signed MoUs and agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in sectors such as
Sanaullah terms Imran's letters to army chief anti-army propaganda ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 220 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
Adviser to Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Thursday claimed that the letters sent to COAS Gen Asim Munir by incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan were an attempt to "spread anti-army propaganda." His remarks followed an informal statement by the army chief earlier in the day, who denied receiving any letter from the jailed former premier. General Munir stated that even if he were to receive such a letter, he would not read it. Responding to this, Sanaullah said the army chief had provided a "brief and comprehensive response" to Khan's open letters. Speaking to a local TV channel, he characterised the open letters from the former premier as part of a "narrative against" the military. He suggested that the PTI founder was using such tactics to push his propaganda. According to the PM's aide, the letters were issued to the media first, a move he described as aimed at spreading a false narrative. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader also dismissed the idea that these letters were an attempt at backdoor talks, asserting that PTI had no intention of apologizing for its anti-military stance or the events of May 9, 2023. Meanwhile, PTI’s parliamentary leader, Senator Ali Zafar, defended the open letters, emphasising that it was Imran Khan’s right as a former prime minister to raise concerns. He further argued that open letters are a common practice globally, and that the purpose of such letters was not necessarily to expect a response. Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023 on charges ranging from corruption to terrorism, penned three open letters to the COAS. The most recent letter reiterated allegations of election rigging and manipulation, with Khan accusing the government of bringing "money launderers" to power. The letter raised concerns about the preferential treatment of minorities over the majority in election processes. In his previous letters, Khan pointed out a growing distance between the military and the public, urging the army to reassess its policies and adopt suggestions for improving its public image.
trade, water resources, energy, education, defense, and health. Encouraging Turkish investors to engage more deeply in Pakistan, President Erdogan emphasized the goal of achieving the $5 billion trade volume and expanding the Goods Trade Agreement. He also pointed out that military dialogue and defense cooperation had bolstered both trade and investment relations between the two countries. President Erdogan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz for visiting Turkiye immediately after the devastating earthquake and praised Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and its contribution to regional stability. He reaffirmed Turkiye’s unwavering support for Pakistan and solidarity with the people of Kashmir, emphasizing the need for a resolution of
‘Will send to Prime Minster’ if received letter from anyone: COAS g
Gen Asim Munir reiterates his commitment to country’s development and stability ISLAMABAD:
Staff RepoRt
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir on Thursday denied ‘receiving any letter from any one,’ stating that ‘even if any such letter was received, he would forward it to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.’ Speaking informally to journalists during a luncheon hosted in honour of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at Prime Minister’s House, Gen Munir said, “I have not received any letter from anyone, and even if I do, I will not read it and will send it to the Prime Minister.” The army chief highlighted that Pakistan is progressing well and reiterated his commitment to the country’s development and stability. The COAS statement comes day after PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry claimed that Imran Khan had sent a third letter to the army chief, raising concerns about alleged electoral fraud that he said favoured a minority over the majority. Talking to journalists outside Adiala Jail on Wednesday, Advocate Chaudhry stated that Imran Khan has shared the contents of the letter with PTI leadership, and the letter will cover six main points. He confirmed that the letter would address issues such as the need for deep structural reforms, the damage caused to democracy by the government’s policies, and other critical matters. Chaudhry also revealed that Khan and other party leaders had appeared in the GHQ case, and that PTI has decided to appoint Aamir Dogar as a
member of the opposition’s negotiation committee. He added that new members would also be included in the political committee, with a formal notification set to be issued today. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier written a second open letter to Army Chief General Asim Munir, following up on a previous letter that aimed to address the widening gap between the military and the public. The letter was shared on Imran Khan’s official Twitter account. In it, he expressed disappointment,
stating, “I wrote the first open letter to you with the intention of improving the country’s situation, but the response was given with extreme irresponsibility and lack of seriousness.”
Fourth letter from Imran Khan on the cards: Senator Ali Zafar g
PTI’s senator says usually such letters are written as piece of advice ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Day after the incarcerated PTI founder claimed to have penned a third [open letter] to the Chief Army Staff, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Ali Zafar on Thursday revealed that a fourth letter from Imran Khan was on the cards. Talking to media, Ali Zafar said usually such letters are written as the piece of advice and it was not necessary to get the response of an open letter. He said the purpose of writing this letter is generally to highlight flaws in the system. PTI lawyer maintained, PTI founder
has done his job. He said there were chances that the concerned people may not act on the letter. Earlier on Wednesday, the PTI had sent a dossier and a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission. PTI Opposition leader Omar Ayub told media that a letter which was sent to the Chief Justice of Pakistan along with the dossier, had been forwarded to the IMF delegation. The opposition leader explained that the letter highlighted key concerns regarding governance, rule of law, and transparency.
13 terrorists neutralised in five KP operations: ISPR RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
As many 13 terrorists were eliminated during fire exchange with the security forces in five separate operations carried out across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday night, the military’s media wing reported on Thursday. In a statement the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the first operation took place in the Dera Ismail Khan area. “During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, resultantly, five khwarij including Kharji Shah Gul @ Rohani were sent to hell,” the ISPR said, using a term designating members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The statement added that two other encounters took place in North Waziristan, where security forces engaged terrorists in the Dosali and Tappi areas. “Resultantly, five khwarij were effectively neutralised by own troops,” the statement read. In the third operation in Lakki Marwat, two khwarij were “sent to hell”, while in the Khyber District’s Bagh area, security forces killed another terrorist. “Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as the killing of innocent civilians,” the ISPR said. The statement added that sanitisation operations were being conducted, stating that the security forces were “determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country”. Earlier on February 7, security forces killed three burqaclad terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in KP’s North Waziristan district. “During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location as a result of which three khwarij were sent to hell, who were trying to escape wearing women’s attire (burqa).” Pakistan has been grappling with an alarming surge in terror activities targeting security forces and the law enforcement agencies, especially in KP and Balochistan. The surge follows the banned TTP broke a fragile ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022. With at least 685 members of security forces losing their lives amid a total of 444 terror attacks, 2024 turned out to be the deadliest year for the civil and military security forces of Pakistan in a decade, according to a 2024 report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) think-tank.
Two more IMF missions to visit Pakistan for climate resilience funding, EFF review
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Lender’s delegates to discuss climate resilience financing on February 24 and conduct first biannual review of $7b EFF in first week of March PROFIT
Staff RepoRt
Pakistan is set to host two policy-level missions from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for discussions on securing over $1 billion in additional climate resilience financing and reviewing the ongoing $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), according to a news report. This comes as a technical mission is already in the country assessing judicial and regulatory systems. An IMF staff mission on climate resilience financing will arrive on February 24 to discuss Pakistan’s request for over $1 bil-
lion under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The RSF offers relatively cheaper financing with a 30-year repayment period, including a 10-year grace period, for countries committing to high-quality climate adaptation reforms. A second mission is expected in the first week of March to conduct the first biannual performance review of the $7 billion EFF. In October last year, Pakistan formally requested the IMF to supplement its EFF with an additional $1.2 billion under the RSF. The government is working to fulfill pending commitments, including a recent
cabinet-approved mechanism for publishing the assets and tax returns of top government officials. The confirmation of these visits follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Dubai on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit, where he sought the Fund’s support for energy sector reforms. The IMF has already advised Pakistan to allocate 1 percent of its GDP annually— amounting to over Rs1.24 trillion this year—for climate resilience and adaptation efforts to address the impact of extreme weather conditions.