Shehbaz Sharif Offers 1,000 Acres in Karachi to Turkish Investors, Says “Red Carpet Awaits You”

Pakistan has invited Turkish businesses to invest in some of the country’s biggest development projects after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a special package for investors during the Pakistan-Türkiye Business Conference in Istanbul.

Speaking to Turkish business leaders, the prime minister said Pakistan is ready to provide every possible support to investors and promised that all unnecessary delays and obstacles would be removed. He also announced a 1,000-acre Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Karachi, which will be named the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Special Economic Zone.

The announcement is part of Pakistan’s broader plan to attract foreign investment, strengthen economic ties with Türkiye, and create more jobs through large infrastructure and industrial projects.

PM Shehbaz Sharif Invites Turkish Investment

Addressing the conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif encouraged Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan’s energy, mining, information technology, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors.

He assured investors that the Pakistani government would personally facilitate their projects.

“My Turkish investor will be my master,” the prime minister said, adding that Pakistan would “roll out the red carpet” for Turkish businesses interested in investing in the country.

He also stated that if private business agreements faced challenges, Pakistan was open to government-to-government partnerships to ensure projects moved forward quickly.

Special Economic Zone Named After President Erdogan

One of the biggest announcements made during the conference was the creation of a 1,000-acre Special Economic Zone in Karachi exclusively for Turkish investors.

The new industrial zone will be named after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, highlighting the close friendship between Pakistan and Türkiye.

According to Pakistani officials, companies that export more than 50 percent of their products will receive attractive incentives. Businesses exporting over 70 percent of their products will benefit from even greater financial support, making the zone highly attractive for international manufacturers.

Officials believe the project could become one of the largest foreign investment initiatives in Pakistan.

Investment Opportunities Across Pakistan

The Pakistani government presented several sectors where Turkish companies can invest immediately.

Energy remained one of the main areas discussed during the conference. Officials invited Turkish companies to participate in oil and gas exploration, renewable energy projects, electricity distribution, and power transmission infrastructure.

Pakistan also highlighted major opportunities in the mining sector, especially around the Reko Diq copper and gold project, which is considered one of the world’s largest untapped mineral resources.

The government further offered investment opportunities in airports, motorways, hospitals, tourism, information technology, artificial intelligence, agriculture, shipbuilding, education, e-commerce, and the defence industry.

Turkish Companies Already Investing in Pakistan

Türkiye already has a strong business presence in Pakistan.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said Turkish companies have invested more than $2 billion in Pakistan, while Turkish contractors have successfully completed 74 projects worth approximately $3.5 billion.

He said both countries now aim to significantly expand economic cooperation by increasing bilateral trade.

Currently, annual trade between Pakistan and Türkiye stands at around $1.2 billion, but both governments have set a target of reaching $5 billion in the coming years.

Pakistan Highlights Economic Stability

During the conference, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali told investors that Pakistan’s economy has become more stable in recent years.

He pointed to lower inflation, exchange rate stability, improvements in foreign exchange reserves, and a current account surplus as positive signs for international investors.

He also assured Turkish businesses that Pakistan offers strong legal protection for foreign investment, including international arbitration, sovereign guarantees where applicable, and protection under the Pakistan-Türkiye Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Officials said foreign investors can safely transfer profits and dividends back to their home countries.

Energy Sector Offers Huge Potential

Pakistan’s Energy Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik revealed that Turkish Petroleum has already secured several offshore and onshore exploration blocks in Pakistan during recent bidding rounds.

He said seismic exploration work is expected to begin later this year, followed by drilling operations.

According to government estimates, Pakistan holds approximately 23 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas reserves, with even larger unconventional reserves that could be developed in the future.

The government believes these resources present significant long-term opportunities for international energy companies.

Power and Infrastructure Projects Open for Investment

Pakistan’s Power Minister Awais Leghari said the government has introduced major reforms in the electricity sector over the past two years.

He announced investment opportunities worth billions of dollars, including smart electricity metering systems, modern transmission lines, and the privatisation of electricity distribution companies.

The government also invited Turkish investors to participate in motorway construction projects, airport development, and public-private partnerships in health and hospitality sectors.

Pakistan and Türkiye Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Pakistan and Türkiye have maintained close diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties for decades.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Türkiye’s economic development under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, particularly its success in manufacturing, infrastructure, and the automobile industry.

Turkish officials also praised Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen regional peace and improve its investment climate.

Both governments agreed that expanding business cooperation would benefit the economies of both countries while creating new employment opportunities.

A New Chapter for Foreign Investment

The announcements made in Istanbul signal Pakistan’s determination to attract greater foreign direct investment by offering investor-friendly policies, legal protections, and large-scale development opportunities.

With a dedicated Special Economic Zone for Turkish investors, major infrastructure projects, and growing cooperation between Islamabad and Ankara, both countries hope to open a new chapter in their long-standing partnership.

If these investment plans move forward successfully, they could create thousands of jobs, increase exports, and support Pakistan’s long-term economic growth.