PM Shehbaz Expresses Gratitude to Erdogan for Support Amid Escalating Tensions with India
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended heartfelt thanks to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his expression of solidarity and support in the wake of recent Indian missile strikes inside Pakistani territory.
Erdogan Reaffirms Turkiye’s Commitment to Peace
In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister confirmed that President Erdogan had called him on Wednesday to offer condolences over the loss of Pakistani lives and to express unwavering support during what he described as a “critical time” for the nation.
“Pakistan is grateful for Turkish efforts to promote de-escalation and maintain peace in South Asia,” the Prime Minister stated. He also highlighted the professionalism and courage of the Pakistani armed forces in defending the nation against the unprovoked aggression. “We will protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs,” he added.
Turkiye Offers to Play Mediating Role
President Erdogan conveyed Turkiye’s readiness to assist in de-escalating tensions and reiterated the country’s friendship with Pakistan. He assured PM Shehbaz that the Turkish people were praying for the martyrs and for the success of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
The call is part of a series of diplomatic engagements Pakistan is pursuing to gather international support and urge restraint amid growing fears of regional conflict. Erdogan’s assurance of Turkiye’s willingness to help mediate adds a significant voice from the Muslim world to the international appeal for calm.
Regional Context
The conversation comes just a day after Indian missile strikes reportedly targeted sites within Pakistan, resulting in casualties and further intensifying bilateral tensions. The international community has urged both sides to exercise caution, with several countries offering to mediate and calling for restraint.
President Erdogan’s outreach reflects Turkiye’s consistent foreign policy of supporting peaceful resolution of disputes and upholding regional stability.
