ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkiye on Saturday agreed to strengthen media cooperation through joint broadcasts between their state-run television channels, and ways to combat Islamophobia and misinformation, Radio Pakistan reported. 

The development took place during a meeting between Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar and Turkiye’s Head of Communications Professor Fahrettin Altun at the Turkish Presidency. 

Tarar arrived in Turkiye on Dec. 13 for a three-day visit to the country where he is scheduled to take part in the Stratcom Summit 2024 in Istanbul.

During his meeting with Altun, Tarar discussed strengthening media cooperation, promoting public diplomacy and combating Islamophobia and misinformation by the two countries.

“The two sides agreed to joint broadcasts between PTV and Turkiye’s state-run television TRT, including airing popular Turkish dramas in Pakistan,” Radio Pakistan said in a report. 

Turkish dramas are highly popular in Pakistan, especially historical and period dramas, for their cultural similarities and high-quality production. “Diriliş: Ertuğrul” remains one of the most popular Turkish dramas to have aired in Pakistan, amassing a huge following over the years. 

The report said an agreement was also reached between the two to form a working group between Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Turkiye’s Directorate of Communications, with focal persons designated from both sides.

Tarar highlighted the vast potential for media cooperation between the two countries, noting that such collaborations would help strengthen public-level connections.

“The meeting also covered cooperation in the fields of entertainment and tourism, as well as the development of joint projects,” it added. 

Altun acknowledged that the Turkish drama “Ertugrul” gained significant popularity in Pakistan, Radio Pakistan said. 

“He said media cooperation between the two countries would help in the fight against Islamophobia and misinformation,” the report said.