Daily Times

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the truest friend of Pakistan. It was his record fourth address to the joint session of the parliament and it was as in keeping with the aspirations of the Pakistani nation. “I thank God for giving me this opportunity. I am thankful to each of you individually for allowing me to address this joint session of Parliament. I would like to convey the greetings of 83 million brothers and sisters in Turkey,” the Turkish president said. No doubt, under his watch Turkey has prospered and Turkey-Pakistan friendship has seen new horizons of friendship. The core of his address was his open support to Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir. He had a historic context to support the cause. “Events that happened 100 years ago in Çanakkale in Turkey are being repeated in Indian occupied Kashmir and Turkey will continue to raise its voice against the oppression. Today, the issue of Kashmir is as close to us as it is to you (Pakistanis)”, a national English daily quoted him as having said. His crucial support will help Pakistan come off the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force. Though Pakistan has done enough to meet FATF terms, now it is becoming clear day by day that FATF is more about politics than tangible and intangible actions. Also, in Tayyip Erdogan, Pakistan found a friend who has regard for Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terror. He appreciated Pakistan’s journey towards normalcy, saying that he appreciated Pakistan’s fight to rid this region of terrorism. He also recounted Turkey’s spat with terrorism, saying both Pakistan and Turkey had fought against terrorism due to their geographic locations. His message is a clear reminder to the world that Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terrorism and its positive contributions to the peace process in Afghanistan should be regarded.

As expected, India has reacted angrily to the Turkish president’s position on Kashmir, telling Turkey to “not interfere in India’s internal affairs.” Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar called upon the Turkish leadership not to interfere in India’s internal affairs and develop a proper understanding of the facts, including the grave threat posed by terrorism emanating from Pakistan to India and the region. It is high time India understood the changing realities on Kashmir and accepted the right to self-determination of Kashmiris. The issue is already with European Parliament and Capitol Hill. Time is running out for India. *