Pakistan and Azerbaijan pledge closer economic cooperation

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev discussed expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation by telephone on October 10. Both Pakistan’s prime ministerial office and Azerbaijan’s presidential press service confirmed the conversation.

The leaders said close political relations should be reinforced through practical economic cooperation. Both official accounts stressed mutual trust and the importance of regular meetings and consultations.

They discussed the Asaan Khidmat centre in Islamabad, established using Azerbaijan’s ASAN Khidmet model. Sharif praised its operations and requested assistance and expertise to extend the approach to other parts of Pakistan.

Aliyev agreed to provide the necessary support. Sharif thanked him and described the assistance as a demonstration of friendship and solidarity.

The conversation also covered regional and international developments. Pakistan outlined diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation, which Aliyev welcomed.

Dawn recalled that the leaders last spoke by phone on May 12 and that Sharif visited Azerbaijan in May 2025. The latest announcements did not specify new investment amounts or a timetable for expanding the service network.