Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s two-day official visit to Ashgabat marked a pivotal moment in Pakistan-Turkmenistan relations, reinforcing commitments to enhanced bilateral trade, energy cooperation, and regional connectivity. The visit, timed to coincide with the International Forum on Peace and Trust—celebrating the UN-declared 2025 International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality—underscored the shared vision of both nations for stability and prosperity in Central and South Asia.

High-Level Engagements and Key Outcomes

Prime Minister Sharif held substantive talks with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, where both leaders expressed strong resolve to elevate bilateral ties. Sharif thanked Turkmenistan for its assistance in evacuating Pakistani nationals during recent regional conflicts and highlighted the “fraternal” bonds rooted in history, culture, and mutual respect.

Central to the discussions was expanded connectivity:

• Sharif proposed leveraging Pakistan’s strategic ports in Karachi and Gwadar as maritime gateways for Turkmenistan, offering landlocked Central Asia efficient access to South Asian markets, the Middle East, and global trade routes via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• Both sides reiterated support for advancing the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) natural gas pipeline, a flagship multibillion-dollar project designed to deliver Turkmen gas to energy-deficient South Asia, fostering economic integration and energy security.

Diplomatic courtesies included Sharif’s extension of invitations to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for official visits to Pakistan in 2026. In response, the Turkmen president affirmed keen interest in broadening cooperation across trade, energy, transport, and other mutually beneficial sectors.

The Pakistani delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, signaled Islamabad’s prioritization of this partnership.

Historical Context and Untapped Economic Potential

Pakistan and Turkmenistan have enjoyed cordial relations since Turkmenistan’s independence in 1991, with Pakistan among the first to recognize it. Turkmenistan’s UN-recognized permanent neutrality (since 1995) has positioned it as a neutral platform for dialogue, aligning with Pakistan’s outreach to Central Asia.

Despite strong political ties, bilateral trade remains modest—around US$8-10 million annually in recent years, with Pakistan exporting pharmaceuticals, textiles, fruits, and rice, while importing limited commodities. This falls far short of potential, constrained by transit challenges through Afghanistan and infrastructure gaps.

Recent diplomatic efforts, including bilateral political consultations in 2025 and joint commissions, aim to address these. Proposals for direct private-sector linkages, transit trade agreements, and logistics hubs (e.g., at Turkmenistan’s Serhetabat) could catalyze growth, potentially pushing trade volumes toward ambitious targets discussed in prior engagements.

Strategic Significance: Energy, Connectivity, and Regional Stability

The renewed focus on TAPI—delayed by geopolitical hurdles but gaining momentum—could transform regional energy dynamics, providing Pakistan diversified gas supplies amid domestic shortages. Complementary projects like the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) power transmission and fiber-optic lines further enhance prospects for multimodal corridors.

In the broader geopolitical landscape, this engagement diversifies Pakistan’s partnerships while supporting Turkmenistan’s export diversification beyond traditional routes. It also contributes to stability in Afghanistan and Central Asia, aligning with global themes of peace and trust championed at the Ashgabat forum.

Looking Ahead: Momentum for Tangible Progress

As the forum concludes on December 12, 2025, with participation from global leaders, the visit injects fresh impetus into Pakistan-Turkmenistan relations. Follow-up mechanisms, including high-level exchanges and project-specific working groups, will be crucial for translating commitments into outcomes.

In an interconnected world facing energy transitions and supply chain disruptions, such partnerships not only promise economic dividends but also reinforce regional peace—a fitting tribute to 2025’s themes. With reciprocal visits planned and shared projects on the horizon, the trajectory points toward a more integrated and prosperous future for both nations and the region at large. Analysts anticipate accelerated progress on TAPI and trade corridors in the coming months, potentially reshaping Eurasian connectivity.