Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Irfan Neziro?lu, called on Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, in Islamabad today. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between the two brotherly countries in the social sector, particularly in poverty alleviation and social protection.
The Turkish Ambassador noted the strong foundations of Pakistan-Turkey relations, highlighting the successful collaboration in defense and trade sectors, as well as the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) that further strengthens economic ties. He emphasized that similar cooperation should now be extended to poverty alleviation and social development.
Both sides reaffirmed the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and mutual respect between the peoples of Pakistan and Turkiye, noting that these relations form the bedrock of their enduring partnership. It was emphasized that this shared fraternity provides a strong basis for deepening collaboration in social welfare and poverty alleviation.
The Minister highlighted the significance of enhancing student exchanges, as currently fewer than 1,000 Pakistani students are benefiting from scholarships in Turkey. He proposed expanding opportunities in education and skills development for the youth of both nations.
It was agreed that a bilateral meeting between Pakistan’s Minister of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety and Turkey’s Minister of Family and Social Services will be held on the sidelines of the World Summit on Social Development 2026 in Doha, to present joint initiatives and commitments at the global stage.
Both sides also discussed joint technical trainings and collaborative programs between Turkey’s T?KA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency), and Pakistan’s Poverty Alleviation organizations such as PBM (Pakistan Bait ul Maal) PPAF (Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund), TVO (Trust for Voluntary Organizations), and BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme). The Minister appreciated the successful initiative of T?KA in training people of Kashmir in olive oil extraction, and called for expanding such technical workshops and skill-sharing programs in other regions, particularly Balochistan, to promote sustainable livelihoods.
Minister Syed Imran Ahmad Shah lauded the visionary leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an in uplifting Turkish society, while also reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to poverty reduction under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He further emphasized the importance of youth empowerment through skills training and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The two sides also explored avenues for trilateral cooperation between Pakistan and other Islamic Countries, in order to pool resources and expertise for greater regional impact.
It was agreed that a follow-up meeting will be conducted soon to finalize a workable action plan, outlining specific projects, training modules, and areas of collaboration between the two countries.
