Pakistan is gearing to accord a warm welcome to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later this month for his maiden visit since Prime Minister Imran Khan took office. The two leaders have shown great inclination toward strengthening ties.
Imran Khan called Erdogan expressing solidarity and support for Turkey as it faces immense international pressure after a military operation was launched against Kurdish forces in northern Syria. Several European countries have condemned Turkey at the UN Security Council calling to halt the offensive. The US has threatened sanctions and Donald Trump has said he would obliterate Turkey’s economy.
Despite the international outcry, Pakistan has shown support for its friend stating that it shares Turkey’s concerns regarding terrorism and the challenges faced by the country. Imran Khan said Pakistan hopes for a successful resolution of the Syrian offensive. The Foreign Office has appreciated Turkey’s role in finding a viable solution to the conflict in Syria and acknowledged the humanitarian effort by hosting millions of Syrian refugees.
It is unusual for Pakistan to takes sides in conflicts involving Muslim countries. It refused to participate directly in the Yemen war and had offered mediation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has recognised Turkey’s security concerns in the region. After all, Pakistan wants to return the favour as Turkey is among a handful of countries that have raised the Kashmir dispute.
At the recent UN General Assembly session, Erdogan was the only leader, besides Malaysia’s Mahathir Muhammad, who called for a resolution through dialogue on the Kashmir issue. He even condemned India for the siege and clampdown in the restive region. The Turkish president had earlier also condemned mob lynching in Indian stating that the majority Hindu nation was no longer safe for minorities. Turkey is also among the few countries opposed to blacklisting Pakistan at FATF.
Imran Khan and Erdogan are hailed as two of the greatest leaders in the Muslim world today. In 2014, the PTI leader had boycotted Erdogan’s speech to parliament when a massive protest sit-in was being staged in Islamabad, but that little hindrance seems to have locked in the past. Both leaders have now taken the responsibility to tackle challenges facing the Muslim world and confront Islamophobia in the West.
Imran Khan and Erdogan are both popular and have demonstrated leadership skills during their tenure. Erdogan has developed his country gaining considerable clout confronting world powers, while Imran Khan is on an aggressive campaign to raise Pakistan’s narrative in the global community. This visit by the Turkish president will cement relations between both countries to greater heights.
