Former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China and the United Nations, and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan has said that Pakistan and Türkiye, as emerging middle powers, have a historic opportunity to help shape a new regional security and economic architecture, stressing that stronger strategic coordination between the two countries is essential for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in West Asia.
Speaking in a television interview, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Türkiye comes at a critical juncture when the region is undergoing profound geopolitical transformation following the recent Iran-Israel conflict. He noted that Pakistan and Türkiye have worked closely, alongside regional partners, to facilitate diplomacy and preserve the momentum of negotiations between the United States and Iran, emphasizing that sustained dialogue remains the only viable path to regional peace.
Sardar Masood Khan said Pakistan and Türkiye share exceptionally close political, strategic and people-to-people relations founded on mutual trust, historical affinity and common interests. He observed that Pakistan enjoys immense goodwill among the Turkish people and described Türkiye as one of Pakistan’s closest and most dependable partners on regional and international issues.
Highlighting the economic dimension of bilateral ties, Sardar Masood Khan said both governments have set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade from approximately US$1.4 billion to US$5 billion over the next three years. He pointed to expanding cooperation in information technology, telecommunications, infrastructure development, energy, agriculture and livestock as key drivers of future economic growth.
He further stated that defence cooperation remains one of the strongest pillars of Pakistan-Türkiye relations. He noted that the two countries are collaborating on indigenous defence production, including the construction of MILGEM corvettes, while also expanding cooperation in defence technology, military hardware and strategic industries.
Discussing regional connectivity, Sardar Masood Khan highlighted the importance of the proposed Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul rail corridor, describing it as a transformative initiative that could significantly enhance trade, investment and economic integration across South and West Asia. He added that greater connectivity would complement broader regional development initiatives and strengthen economic resilience.
Reflecting on the evolving regional environment, Sardar Masood Khan said the recent conflict has underscored the need for a new post-war security framework in West Asia. He observed that Pakistan and Türkiye, working in coordination with regional partners, could play a constructive role in promoting collective security, economic cooperation and conflict prevention through diplomacy rather than confrontation.
Concluding his remarks, Sardar Masood Khan emphasized that the changing international order presents new opportunities for emerging middle powers.
