The Istanbul prosecutor’s office said police carried out coordinated operations in four cities, detaining 37 of 47 suspects named in arrest warrants issued as part of investigations into alleged corruption and misconduct in local administrations.

Among those detained was Adalar Mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat, according to the prosecutor’s office.

The suspects face allegations including bribery, embezzlement, forgery of official documents, abuse of office and establishing or leading a criminal organization. Authorities have not announced when formal charges may be filed.

In a separate investigation, security forces conducted operations in the municipality of Silifke in the southern province of Mersin. Turkish media reported that several individuals, including the mayor, were taken into custody over allegations involving bribery, embezzlement, bid-rigging and abuse of office.

The latest detentions follow a series of similar operations targeting CHP-run municipalities in recent days, including local administrations in Istanbul’s Beylikduzu and Silivri districts as well as Seferihisar in the western province of Izmir.

The CHP has strongly rejected the investigations, arguing that the operations are politically motivated and designed to weaken the opposition after the party’s strong performance in the 2024 local elections, when it defeated President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in several key municipalities.

The arrests come as the CHP grapples with an internal leadership crisis triggered by a court ruling in Ankara last month that annulled the party’s 2023 leadership election over allegations of vote-buying.

The ruling reinstated former party chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu and intensified divisions within the opposition movement.

Senior CHP figure Ozgur Ozel, who lost his position as party leader following the court decision, has called for an extraordinary party congress, arguing that the CHP cannot function effectively under what he describes as an imposed leadership structure.

The court ruling sparked demonstrations by CHP supporters and heightened political tensions nationwide. Police also entered the party’s headquarters following the decision, an action that drew criticism from opposition figures.

The latest investigations are likely to deepen scrutiny of relations between the government and opposition parties at a time when the CHP has gained momentum in opinion polls and remains one of the most significant political challengers to Erdogan’s administration.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, “The Prime Minister will hold extensive discussions with President Erdogan on bilateral relations and exchange views on recent regional developments.” The meeting is seen as part of ongoing efforts to elevate the already strong bond between the two nations.

The two leaders last met during the 7th session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), held in Islamabad on February 12-13, 2025. This leadership-level forum plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the Pakistan-Türkiye partnership.

One key area of focus is economic collaboration. The two countries signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in August 2022, which grants tariff concessions on select goods. Both sides are now working towards a more ambitious goal—raising bilateral trade to $5 billion and potentially advancing toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

In 2023, Pakistan exported goods worth $352.1 million to Türkiye, while importing $250.8 million in return. Key Turkish exports included lead, meat, and artworks, while Pakistan shipped explosives, zinc, meat, and fur skins to its ally.

Though trade volumes are still modest compared to each country’s broader economic landscape, the ongoing dialogue and cooperation signal a strong intent to grow this important relationship.

As PM Sharif meets President Erdoğan in Ankara, all eyes will be on the outcomes that could shape the future of Pakistan-Türkiye relations in the years to come.