what is the history of pakistan-turkey relations?

 The relationship between Pakistan and Turkey has deep historical roots that predate the establishment of both modern states. The bonds between the people of what is now Pakistan and Turkey go back centuries, with shared religious, cultural, linguistic, and spiritual heritage. The Muslims of South Asia, during the British Raj, had a strong sense of reverence for the Ottoman Empire, viewing the Ottoman Sultan as their Caliph

1

6

.

Early Relations and Diplomatic Ties

Diplomatic relations between Turkey and Pakistan were formally established in 1947, soon after Pakistan gained independence. Turkey was among the first countries to recognize Pakistan as an independent state. The two countries signed a treaty of friendship and cooperation on April 2, 1954, which was a testament to their close ties

1

.

Military Cooperation

Pakistan and Turkey have maintained strong military relations for decades. Turkey has provided training to Pakistani air force officers and has assisted in upgrading Pakistan's F-16 fleet. These military ties have been a cornerstone of the relationship between the two nations

1

.

Cultural and Economic Relations

The countries share historical Islamic ties, and Pakistanis have generally enjoyed a positive perception in Turkey. Over the years, the relationship has expanded to include deepening economic relations. Turkey supports Pakistan's position on holding a plebiscite under the UN to decide the future of Kashmir, a stance that has been reaffirmed by Turkish leadership in various international forums

1

5

.

Recent Developments

In recent years, the perceptions and interests of Turkey and Pakistan have started to converge on a number of regional issues. However, there have been areas of divergence as well, such as their respective policies on Afghanistan and their relations with other regional powers

2

.

High-level visits and agreements

The two countries have seen frequent exchanges of high-level visits, which have served to strengthen their relationship. A landmark achievement was the creation of a Joint Ministerial Commission in the 1970s, which facilitated cooperation in various fields

6

.

Challenges and divergences

Despite the strong ties, there have been moments of strain, particularly regarding the policies of each country towards regional issues like Afghanistan. Turkey's secularist approach, following its establishment as a Republic, contrasted with Pakistan's Islamic ideology, but these ideological differences have not hampered their bilateral relations

2

.

Conclusion

The history of Pakistan-Turkey relations is characterized by mutual respect, cooperation, and shared cultural and religious ties. While there have been challenges and differences in policy, the overall relationship has remained strong and continues to develop in various spheres, including military, economic, and cultural exchanges

1

2

6

.