Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, met with Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, Irfan Naziroglu, on Wednesday to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, focusing on increasing job opportunities for Pakistan’s skilled workforce in Turkey, as well as enhancing modern technical education in the country.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the meeting highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing contribution of skilled manpower to various countries, particularly Turkey and the Gulf states. These workers play a crucial role in sending remittances that support Pakistan’s fragile economy.
“During the meeting, various proposals were discussed regarding religious harmony, respect for humanity, and providing more job opportunities for Pakistani workers in Turkey,” the ministry said.
The two officials also discussed the shared values between Pakistan and Turkey on both regional and global issues. Both countries have consistently supported each other at the international stage, especially regarding matters of global concern.
Turkish Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroğlu reinforced Turkiye’s commitment to offering greater employment opportunities for Pakistan’s skilled workers. “Turkey is working on increasing the supply of machinery to Pakistani industries and expanding technical training and educational projects in Pakistan,” he stated.
He also pointed out that numerous Turkish companies are already successfully operating in Pakistan, but he emphasized there remains untapped potential for further boosting joint investment and trade between the two nations.
Dr. Neziroğlu also expressed his condolences over the tragic deaths of Pakistanis in the recent Morocco boat incident.
Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain noted that Pakistan is actively taking steps to prevent human trafficking, which has been a concern in relation to its overseas workers. According to Hussain, about 600,000 Pakistanis went abroad for employment in the past year, and by December 2024, the remittances from overseas Pakistanis are expected to hit a record $3.1 billion.
The meeting also focused on enhancing financial infrastructure, with the establishment of improved banking channels between Pakistan and Turkey being a key point of discussion to further facilitate mutual trade. The two sides also agreed to intensify cooperation in areas such as eliminating extremism, promoting interfaith harmony, and providing technical education to Pakistan’s workforce.
In mid-2024, Pakistan and Turkey aim to further elevate their economic ties, with both nations working toward achieving a $5 billion bilateral trade target.