Pakistan and Turkmenistan have significant scope to expand economic cooperation, from natural gas supplies and transport connectivity to joint initiatives in textiles, construction and pharmaceuticals. In an article published in the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkmenistan, Dr Faryal Leghari, outlined prospects for a new phase of bilateral engagement.
The anniversary provides an opportunity to strengthen ties built on mutual respect, geographical proximity and shared regional interests. Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence, and diplomatic relations established during the early years of Turkmenistan’s statehood have provided a foundation for political dialogue and economic cooperation.
Leghari identifies energy, trade, transport, education and healthcare as areas where the two countries could translate their longstanding friendship into more practical forms of partnership.
TAPI at the centre of energy cooperation
Energy remains a key strategic area of our cooperation. Turkmenistan’s vast natural gas reserves and Pakistan’s growing energy market, which requires reliable, diversified and affordable supplies, create a mutually beneficial basis for an energy partnership between the two countries.
The Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline has long been a symbol of the potential for regional energy integration. The project is particularly significant today, given the heightened risks facing vulnerable maritime routes, exposed by the conflicts shaking the Middle East.
Energy connectivity with Turkmenistan would not only support Pakistan’s industrial growth, reduce its exposure to volatile international markets and strengthen its long-term energy security, but could also indirectly help ease tensions among the stakeholders involved in regional energy connectivity projects.
Leghari highlights the importance of peaceful solutions and political engagement, noting that Turkmenistan’s neutral status could contribute to conditions conducive to regional cooperation.
Beyond natural gas, the two countries could explore cooperation in electricity transmission, renewable energy, energy services and specialist training. Such initiatives would broaden the scope of bilateral energy relations and respond to changing requirements in both countries.
Textiles and construction offer scope for business partnerships
The textile industry is another area with considerable potential for closer economic ties.
Turkmenistan’s cotton resources and textile manufacturing capacity complement Pakistan’s experience in textile machinery, design, value-added production and export markets.
According to Leghari, Pakistani textile companies regularly participate in exhibitions in Turkmenistan and have expressed interest in expanding commercial engagement. Potential areas include trade in yarn, greige fabric, home textiles, ready-made garments and fabrics for women’s clothing.
Shared traditions of national dress and an interest in fashion also provide opportunities for cooperation between designers, textile producers and businesses in the fashion industry.
Construction is another promising sector. A recent visit to Ashgabat by a Pakistani delegation representing the construction and marble industries opened up new opportunities for contacts and potential joint projects.
Closer engagement between companies could support cooperation in construction materials, marble processing and infrastructure development, broadening the commercial relationship beyond energy and textiles.
Transport connectivity could boost trade
Improved transport links are an important part of efforts to expand bilateral trade and business contacts.
Pakistan and Turkmenistan could reap significant benefits by strengthening regional connectivity through road and rail networks, alongside direct air links.
According to Ambassador, both sides have expressed readiness to resume cargo and commercial flights in the near future. Direct air connectivity would not only deepen people-to-people contacts but also promote bilateral trade and cooperation in healthcare, education and sports.
Education and skills development
Education is another area in which Pakistan and Turkmenistan could build stronger institutional links.
Pakistani universities, professional institutes and technical training centres are ready to offer Turkmen students opportunities to study medicine, engineering, information technology, languages, business administration and other fields.
Potential initiatives include academic exchanges, joint research, scholarship and language programmes, and partnerships between universities.
Technical and vocational education is particularly relevant to the needs of both economies, as industrial development requires a growing pool of skilled professionals.
Cooperation could include student exchanges, reciprocal scholarship opportunities, professional development for teachers and joint expert programmes.
Such initiatives would support workforce development while strengthening long-term people-to-people ties and creating opportunities for younger generations to contribute to bilateral relations.
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
Healthcare offers further opportunities for practical cooperation, particularly in medical education, pharmaceuticals, hospital services and the development of professional skills.
Pakistan has experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical training, hospital services and medical equipment production. Leghari sees scope for Pakistani pharmaceutical companies and medical institutions to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with Turkmen counterparts.
Possible areas of engagement include pharmaceutical trade, medical personnel exchanges, professional training and cooperation in preventive medicine.
Joint scientific and technical initiatives could also support the exchange of expertise and knowledge in medical technologies.
Closer institutional cooperation would complement existing ties and create additional channels for professional engagement between the two countries.
Cultural and sporting exchanges
The ambassador also highlights the role of culture and sport in supporting broader bilateral relations.
Pakistan and Turkmenistan could expand cooperation in football, wrestling, martial arts, equestrian sports and youth exchanges. Friendly tournaments, coaching programmes and institutional partnerships between sports organizations would provide additional opportunities for interaction.
Equestrian traditions offer a particularly distinctive area of common interest. Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke horses are admired among horse breeders and enthusiasts in Pakistan.
Leghari also identifies potential for exchanges involving polo and tent pegging, alongside equestrian events and competitions in both countries.
Cultural festivals, media exchanges and tourism promotion could further strengthen mutual understanding and encourage more direct contact between the two societies.
Turning longstanding ties into practical cooperation
As Turkmenistan marks 35 years of independence, Pakistan views the country as an important partner in Central Asia and a potential gateway to broader regional economic engagement.
The next phase of bilateral relations could focus on translating existing goodwill into practical initiatives involving businesses, transport operators, universities and healthcare institutions.
Energy infrastructure, trade diversification, improved connectivity and professional exchanges offer complementary avenues for strengthening the partnership.
Pakistan, the ambassador concludes, remains committed to its longstanding friendship with Turkmenistan and to advancing cooperation based on mutual benefit, regional connectivity and shared development goals. ///Based on an article by Dr. Faryal Leghari, Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkmenistan, published in Neutral Turkmenistan, 25 September 2026