Will Shehbaz’s Regional Strategy Strengthen Pakistan’s Economy?

News Desk 

Ashgabat: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to expand regional connectivity with Turkmenistan through both land and sea routes, underscoring that enhanced economic linkages are central to his government’s strategy for stabilising and strengthening Pakistan’s economy.

The prime minister delivered this message during a meeting with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov soon after arriving in Ashgabat for a two-day official visit.

He was warmly received at Ashgabat International Airport by Mammetkhan Chakyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet and head of the Transport and Communications Agency.

PM Shehbaz highlighted that Pakistan’s deep-sea ports—Karachi and Gwadar—are ideally located to serve as maritime gateways for Turkmenistan, providing the Central Asian nation access to South Asia and global markets.

He stressed that Pakistan aims to harness this geographical advantage to deepen connectivity, facilitate trade corridors, and advance long-term economic and energy cooperation.

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Positioning regional integration as a key pillar of Pakistan’s economic recovery plan, the premier said enhanced transport, trade, and energy partnerships would generate new opportunities for investment, employment, and sustainable growth.

Congratulating President Berdimuhamedov on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality and the UN declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, PM Shehbaz described Pakistan-Turkmenistan ties as “historic and fraternal.”

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation particularly in the fields of trade, transport, and energy—sectors he said were vital for Pakistan’s economic revival.

He also thanked Turkmenistan for facilitating the safe evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran during the Iran-Israel conflict earlier this year.

Appreciating Turkmenistan’s hospitality, PM Shehbaz extended warm wishes for National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and reiterated his invitation for both leaders to visit Pakistan next year.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov welcomed Pakistan’s interest in deeper cooperation and appreciated Islamabad’s participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust and related events marking the 30th anniversary of Permanent Neutrality.

During the visit, PM Shehbaz will attend key international events bringing together global leaders, diplomats, and policymakers—part of his broader diplomatic outreach aimed at attracting investment, strengthening partnerships, and advancing Pakistan’s regional economic interests.

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The prime minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistants Tariq Fatemi and Talha Burki.

PM Shehbaz lays wreath at Turkmenistan’s Neutrality Monument

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday joined the leaders from various countries at the iconic Neutrality Monument, to lay a wreath in commemoration of the International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.

At the invitation of Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the prime minister is on a two-day official visit to Ashgabat to attend the international forum being held in connection with the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.

Besides Prime Minister Shehbaz, Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev were also among the leaders besides the representatives of the United Nations and other international organisations who laid wreath at the monument.

As the leaders arrived at the venue, host President Serdar Berdimuhamedow warmly received them.

Designed as a trio of ascending pillars, the monument weaves together the cultural fabric of the nation and stands as a powerful symbol of the nation’s commitment to peace, humanism, and constructive diplomacy.