Turkey, Pakistan like 1 soul in 2 hearts: Punjab leader
by Daily Sabah with AA
ISTANBULDec 06, 2016 - 12:00 am GMT+3
by Daily Sabah with AA
Dec 06, 2016 12:00 am
Shahbaz Sharif, the chief minister of Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, on Sunday praised Turkey steadfast support for Pakistan and said, "Turkey and Pakistan are like two hearts, one soul."
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) during his visit to Turkey's Kayseri province, he said Turkey and Pakistan have been consulting each other "very frequently," mentioning Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's state visit to Pakistan last month and his address at the local parliament.
"In his speech, he made it very clear that the Kashmir issue has to be resolved on the basis of equity and fair play. He also mentioned our brotherhood."
About Turkish investments in Pakistan, Sharif said they have seen a huge increase, particularly in Punjab, home to about half of Pakistan's population.
Sharif said there are many Turkish companies operating in the country, which is leading to a "closer" bilateral relationship.
Pointing to the recent developments regarding the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), Sharif said, "An enemy of Turkey is an enemy of Pakistan, and a friend of Turkey is a friend of Pakistan."
He said Pakistani officials were looking into FETÖ, the terror group behind the failed July 15 coup attempt, which was thwarted by military troops loyal to the government, along with police units and millions of Turkish citizens taking to the streets in favor of democracy. In total, 248 people, mostly civilians, were killed by pro-coup soldiers, while over 2,000 people were injured.
Turkey has requested Pakistan to close dozens of schools, colleges and businesses it says are part of the FETÖ terrorist network.
Ahead of President Erdoğan's visit last month, 108 foreign teachers in Pakistan linked to terror group were told that their visas would not be extended and asked to leave, but those deportations have been faced with a court challenge.
Sharif said Pakistan is "closely" following the issue.
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