GUJRAT: The Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GtCCI) has called for the opening of an Anatolia visa application office in Gujrat and the launch of Turkish Airlines flights from Sialkot International Airport, aiming to benefit the local business community and foster stronger bilateral trade relations.

GtCCI President Ahmed Hassan Mattu presented these proposals during a meeting with Consul General of the Republic of Turkiye Mehmet Eymen Simsek and other Turkish diplomats.

He also advocated for a direct Turkish Airlines flight from Sialkot, serving travellers from Gujrat, Gujranwala and Sialkot, as well as surrounding districts.

Regarding the proposal for a visa office, Mr Simsek noted that setting up such a facility entails high costs, including networking, sec­urity, staffing and other operational expenses.

About Turkish Airlines, Mr Simsek said the number of flights from Lahore had recently increased from 11 to 14 per week, expressing optimism that services from Sialkot may be introduced soon, depending on feasibility.

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2026