Pakistan, July 6 -- There are few foreign relationships in Pakistan that enjoy the emotional ease of its ties with Turkiye. The phrase used by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul, that the two countries are "two hearts with one soul", will resonate with the public on both sides. It draws on a real history of support during wars, floods, earthquakes, diplomatic crises and moments of regional stress. But emotions, however sincere, are not an economic strategy. The more useful test of the latest Pakistan-Turkiye engagement is whether this warmth can finally be converted into trade, investment, technology transfer and jobs.

The target of $5 billion in annual trade is not unrealistic, but it has been repeated often enough to risk becomi...