KARACHI: Consul General of the Republic of Turkiye in Karachi Ergul Kadak on Wednesday said that tourism represents a “low-hanging fruit” for Pakistan’s economic growth and, if developed effectively, could help reduce the country’s reliance on external financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Speaking at a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the Turkish envoy said that attracting tourists, including from Turkiye, requires the promotion of positive and credible success stories. Drawing a comparison with Istanbul in the 1990s, he said Karachi faces similar challenges today but also holds comparable potential for transformation.
The consul general stressed the importance of engaging social media influencers to project a positive image of Pakistan and Karachi, noting that modern travellers, particularly Turkish tourists, rely heavily on digital platforms for travel planning. He said Pakistan offers significant attractions, including scenic coastlines, beaches, cultural heritage and natural beauty, but added that civic, safety and service-related issues must be addressed to fully realise this potential.
Responding to concerns over visa fees, Kadak acknowledged that the issue has been raised by multiple stakeholders and explained that visa fees are reviewed annually by Turkiye’s headquarters under a process led by the Ministry of Finance. He assured participants that the concerns would be conveyed to the relevant authorities.
On visa processing times, he said applicants generally receive their passports within two weeks, which he described as an acceptable timeframe. He noted that around 95 per cent of visa applications are processed within this period and added that the system has improved significantly in recent years, with two weeks now serving as the standard benchmark.
Turning to trade relations, the consul general said negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Turkiye are ongoing and remain a top priority for both governments. He said the FTA is a key agenda item under the Pakistan-Turkiye Joint Economic Commission, adding that a related protocol was signed in October during meetings in Islamabad, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to advancing the agreement.
Earlier, KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif, in his welcome address, said Turkiye is a key trading partner for Pakistan, with strong potential for collaboration in textiles, construction, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, food processing, tourism, energy, information technology and defence-related industries. He also acknowledged Turkiye’s consistent support for Pakistan on issues of core national importance, which he said has further strengthened mutual trust and goodwill.
The KCCI president appreciated the role of the Turkish consulate in facilitating business-to-business linkages, trade delegations and investment engagement, and expressed the chamber’s willingness to work closely with the consulate to organise joint business forums, B2B meetings, trade exhibitions and investment roadshows.
He also formally invited Turkish companies to participate in the upcoming My Karachi Exhibition, scheduled to be held from February 6 to 8, 2026, noting that the event has been organised annually by KCCI since 2004.
