Brief
Pakistan and Azerbaijan pledge deeper economic cooperation
The leaders said the partnership will expand across sectors, citing the Asaan Khidmat Centre as a model.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Pakistan and Azerbaijan agreed to strengthen economic, trade and investment ties during a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Ilham Aliyev, dailytimes.com.pk reported on 10 October 2026.
What happened
The call focused on translating the long‑standing political friendship into concrete economic cooperation. Both leaders highlighted mutual respect for each other’s national interests and pledged to expand commercial partnerships.
What the reports add
The article notes that the discussion included progress on the Asaan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad, a service model borrowed from Azerbaijan’s ASAN Khidmet system. It also mentions that the leaders talked about regional developments and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace, though no specific projects beyond the centre were detailed.
What was said
Shehbaz Sharif described the bilateral relationship as “rooted in mutual trust and support” and said both nations “respect each other’s vital national interests.” The report quotes him as saying the two countries “must now translate their close political understanding into stronger economic and commercial cooperation.” Aliyev’s exact words were not provided, but the article states he welcomed the progress and stressed the importance of regular consultations.
How it came about
Earlier this year, Sharif met Bill Gates at the UN General Assembly to discuss health and development cooperation, underscoring Pakistan’s broader outreach to international partners. The new economic pledge follows a pattern of Pakistan seeking deeper ties with friendly nations, as seen in recent diplomatic engagements.
Key facts
- Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev held a telephone conversation to discuss economic cooperation. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- Both leaders pledged to translate political goodwill into stronger trade and investment ties. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- The Asaan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad, modeled on Azerbaijan's ASAN Khidmet, was highlighted as a successful bilateral initiative. (dailytimes.com.pk)
Sources
- [1] dailytimes.com.pk — originally reported as “Shehbaz Sharif, Aliyev pledge stronger economic cooperation”
