ISLAMABAD - Showing strong commitment and solidarity with the democratic government of Turkey, Pakistan yesterday condemned the failed coup attempt in which several people were killed.
"Pakistan condemns the attempt to undermine democracy and rule of law in Turkey," a statement released by the PM's Media Office said.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned in harshest words the attempt to undermine democracy by a group of Turkish army and reaffirmed full support to its democratic institutions. “We deeply admire the resolve of the brave and resilient Turkish people, who stood up against the forces of darkness and anarchy to express their support and commitment to democracy," the statement quoted the prime minister as saying.
Nawaz Sharif in his remarks said "we express our complete support and solidarity with President Erdogan, the democratically elected government of Turkey and the democratic institutions of Turkey". Pakistan reaffirms its abiding interest in a democratic, peaceful and stable Turkey, he added.
"We wish to convey our prayers and good wishes for President Erdogan's well-being and welfare of the people of Turkey as well as the unity of the Islamic Ummah."
The prime minister said Pakistan highly values its strong and historic ties with Turkey. He said Pakistan deeply appreciates President Erdogan's steadfast support as also the support of the people of Turkey to Pakistan on all occasions, whenever the need arose. "I wish to reaffirm full support of the government and people of Pakistan to the elected leadership and govt and the people of Turkey," he said.
Meanwhile the Foreign Office spokesperson also in a statement said Pakistan stands by the people and the government of Turkey.
"We support the will of the people reflected in the democratic system and the democratically elected leadership of Turkey. The Pakistani nation hopes that peace and normalcy will be restored in Turkey."
Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi telephoned the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and extended solidarity.
Fatemi said, "We are with the people and government of Turkey and Pakistani nation shows its solidarity with the Turkish government and Turkish democratic institutions," according to an official statement.
The Turkish foreign minister thanked the government and the people of Pakistan for showing resolve to stand by democracy in Turkey, the statement said. He appreciated the response and said "this is what we expected from a brother country."
"We are also thankful to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan for his message of support for Turkish democracy and the government," the Turkish foreign minister said.
