GUJRAT – Teh Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GtCCI) has formally requested the establishment of an Anatolia visa request office in Gujrat and the initiation of Turkish Airlines service from Sialkot International Airport. These proposals, presented to Consul General of the Republic of Turkiye Mehmet Eymen Simsek and other Turkish diplomats, are intended to bolster local business opportunities and strengthen trade ties between Pakistan and Turkey.
GtCCI President Ahmed Hassan Mattu emphasized the potential benefits of a direct Turkish Airlines route originating from Sialkot, serving not only the cities of Gujrat, Gujranwala, and Sialkot, but also the wider surrounding regions.
Consul general Simsek acknowledged the GtCCI’s request for a visa office, but highlighted the critically important financial implications involved in its establishment, citing costs related to security, staffing, networking, and overall operational expenses.
Regarding the possibility of Turkish Airlines flights from Sialkot, Mr. Simsek noted a recent increase in flights from Lahore – from 11 to 14 weekly – and expressed cautious optimism about expanding services to Sialkot, contingent upon a feasibility assessment.
Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2026
