By Asim Hussain
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Pakistan, Irfan Neziroglu, met with Federal Minister for Housing, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, on Monday to discuss enhancing bilateral ties, particularly deepening cooperation in the housing sector.
Talking to ambassador, minister emphasized the need to strengthen trade and investment ties with Turkiye, highlighting housing as the government’s top priority. He called the ambassador’s visit timely, as the housing ministry is actively seeking solutions to Pakistan’s housing challenges.
The minister warmly welcomed Ambassador Neziroglu, noting the deep cultural and historical ties between the two countries. He recalled his memorable official visits to Turkiye and expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s steadfast support of Pakistan on the international stage.
The ambassador thanked the minister for the warm welcome and expressed a strong interest in learning from each other’s experiences.
He highlighted Turkiye’s desire to expand bilateral and even trilateral cooperation across various sectors. The ambassador also introduced TOKI, Türkiye’s housing administration established in 1984 to address the housing needs of low- and middle-income groups, and emphasized Turkiye’s readiness to share its expertise and contribute to Pakistan’s housing sector.
Referring to the prime minister’s vision of seeking investment and trade rather than aid, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s vast market potential, especially in the housing sector, which offers significant opportunities for collaboration.
He praised Turkiye’s community garden initiatives and expressed eagerness to explore ways to replicate TOKI’s successful models in Pakistan. The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and working together on key areas of mutual interest.
