President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Kadir Özkaya, paid a working visit to Pakistan with a view to further strengthening bilateral relations. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding on judicial cooperation (“MoU”) was signed between the Constitutional Court of Türkiye and the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Within this framework, President Özkaya and the accompanying delegation engaged in high-level contacts, including a meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif.

Among those who accompanied President Özkaya during the visit, which took place on 7-9 April 2026 upon the invitation of the Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Yahya Afridi, were Members of the Turkish Constitutional Court, Mr. Rıdvan Güleç and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Recai Akyel, Secretary General Mr. Murat Azaklı, as well as other officials.

As part of the working visit, a MoU was signed between the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Türkiye and the Supreme Court of Pakistan to enhance bilateral cooperation and facilitate joint activities in designated areas.

In his remarks at the signing ceremony, President Kadir Özkaya emphasised that the cooperation between the two courts transcended institutional relations, reflecting the deep-rooted fellowship between Türkiye and Pakistan. Underlining that the relations between the two countries have been shaped by historical solidarity and fraternity, President Özkaya noted: “Relations between Türkiye and Pakistan extend far beyond ordinary diplomacy. They embody strong and enduring amicable relations founded on historical solidarity, mutual respect, and a profound sense of brotherhood. Throughout history, our peoples have stood by one another, sharing both joys and hardships, and providing support whenever needed. The MoU we are signing today is a tangible and meaningful reflection, at the level of our supreme judicial bodies, of the long-standing cordial relations between our countries.”

Highlighting the solemn responsibility of constitutional courts in safeguarding the rule of law, securing fundamental rights and freedoms, and strengthening the democratic state governed by the rule of law, President Özkaya stressed the importance of dialogue and the exchange of experience among different legal systems.

We Attach Great Importance to International Judicial Dialogue

President Kadir Özkaya stated that today, constitutional justice is no longer confined to national legal systems; it has become an integral part of a globally evolving legal dialogue. He noted: “The institutional bonds formed among high courts serve both to develop collective solutions to common problems and to create a rich pool of experience drawn from diverse legal practices. The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Türkiye attaches great importance to international judicial dialogue.”

He further referred to the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of the Islamic World (CCJ-I), over which the Constitutional Court of Türkiye currently holds the term presidency, as an important platform for fostering cooperation and exchange of experience. He also highlighted: “The presence of the Supreme Court of Pakistan among the distinguished members of the CCJ-I is a tangible demonstration of the strong foundation of the long-standing dialogue between our institutions, even on international platforms.” Recalling that both courts are also members of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions (AACC), President Özkaya underlined that shared membership plays a crucial role in reinforcing regional cooperation and mutual exchange of expertise within the field of constitutional justice.

Cooperation between Our Courts Will Further Advance the Cordial Relations between Our Countries

Expressing his appreciation for the efforts of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in safeguarding constitutional values and the rule of law, President Özkaya conveyed his confidence that the cooperation between the two courts would yield highly effective and beneficial outcomes. He continued: “The cordial relations between Türkiye and Pakistan are not only a strong legacy of the past but also a solid partnership shaping the future. The step we are taking here today marks a new and important chapter of this partnership in the field of law. I firmly believe that the cooperation being forged and reinforced today between our institutions will further strengthen not only the ties between our two high courts but also the long-standing cordial relations between our countries.”

Concluding his remarks, President Özkaya also referred to ongoing injustices and human rights violations in various parts of the world, particularly in Gaza, and expressed his sincere hope for the immediate cessation of wars and conflicts.

This Significant MoU Will Serve to Enhance Cooperation and Strengthen Institutional Ties

Chief Justice Mr. Yahya Afridi expressed his honour and pleasure in hosting President Özkaya and the accompanying delegation. Noting that the MoU would provide a forward-looking framework for cooperation between the two high courts, Mr. Afridi remarked: “This significant MoU will serve to enhance cooperation, promote the exchange of knowledge, and strengthen both the rule of law and institutional ties between our courts. I visited Türkiye last year to attend the programme held in İstanbul on the occasion of the 63^rd anniversary of the Turkish Constitutional Court and was deeply impressed by the country’s legal system and technological capacity. Subsequently, a team of experts from Türkiye visited Pakistan, and we carried out joint activities together. Throughout this process, we greatly benefited from the valuable support of President Özkaya. I would also like to express my particular appreciation for the contributions of Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan, Mr. İrfan Neziroğlu. Today, courts can no longer operate in isolation. Issues relating to technology and rights are constantly evolving, making international cooperation indispensable. Under this MoU, a joint working group will be established to render our cooperation more effective. Although Pakistan and Türkiye have different systems, they are united by shared values of democracy and constitutionalism. I am confident that the MoU will foster closer cooperation between the two courts, and that, in the long term, this cooperation will strengthen not only our institutions but also justice itself.”

Meeting with Prime Minister Mr. Shehbaz Sharif

President Kadir Özkaya and the accompanying delegation were also received by Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed his satisfaction with the visit. Referring to the centuries-old fraternal ties between the two countries, Prime Minister Sharif emphasised the importance of sharing experiences, particularly in the use of technology for the more efficient administration of justice. He further noted that the MoU signed between the parties represented a significant step in this regard and highlighted opportunities for cooperation in areas such as climate change, counter-terrorism, and migration.

President Özkaya expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sharif for the hospitality extended in Pakistan and emphasised the strong ties between the peoples of the two countries, adding that the Constitutional Court of Türkiye, with its 64 years of institutional experience, stands ready to initiate a pilot project with Pakistan for the exchange of its experience.

President Özkaya and the accompanying delegation also paid a visit to the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan, established in November 2025, and were received by Chief Justice Mr. Amin-ud-Din Khan. President Özkaya emphasised the vital role of the newly established Federal Constitutional Court in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the people of Pakistan and conveyed his best wishes for its continued success.

Noting that the visit would be regarded as an important milestone in strengthening legal and cultural ties between the two countries, President Özkaya also referred to the invitation extended by the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan, in its capacity as the term president of the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of the Turkic World (TÜRK-AY), for the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan to become an observer member. He expressed: “We are extremely pleased by the invitation and will closely follow the relevant developments. We would also like to express our support for your accession as an observer member of TÜRK-AY at the earliest opportunity.” It was also agreed at the meeting that a memorandum of understanding would be concluded between the two Courts.

President Özkaya and the accompanying delegation also visited the Ministry of Law and Justice of Pakistan. During the visit, which comprised both bilateral and inter-delegation meetings, Federal Law Minister Mr. Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that he stood ready to provide full support to initiatives aimed at further developing the strong relations between Türkiye and Pakistan in all fields, particularly in the political and economic spheres, as well as in the field of the judiciary. He also expressed his wish for the continuation of reciprocal working visits between judicial institutions.

In addition, the Turkish delegation also met with Attorney General for Pakistan Mr. Mansoor Usman Awan, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association Mr. Haroon-ur-Rashid, Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Ms. Aalia Neelum, as well as senior judges of the High Court.

Throughout the visit, the delegation was also accompanied by Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan, Mr. İrfan Neziroğlu, who has made a significant contribution to advancing judicial cooperation between the two countries.