PM Imran writes to Turkey’s Erdogan on fifth anniversary of failed coup

ISLAMABD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday wrote a letter to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to reaffirm Pakistan’s solidarity with the brotherly country on the fifth anniversary of a failed coup.

On July 15, 2016, a rogue faction in the military tried to take over the country, using warplanes and tanks to attack government buildings. Some 250 people — in addition to at least 24 plotters — died and more than 2,000 were injured in the ensuing chaos as Erdogan rallied his supporters out on the street.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, and on my own behalf, I would like to reaffirm our solidarity with the brotherly people and Government of Turkey on the occasion of ‘Democracy and National Unity Day,” PM Khan wrote in his message to Erdogan.

“The history will remember how five years ago, on this day, the Turkish people displayed their characteristic resilience and gallantry to defy those who wanted to target Turkey’s peace and stability as well as its democratic institutions. It was also the day when the entire Pakistani nation spoke with one voice against the attempt to undermine Turkey’s democracy and progress towards prosperity.”

“Today the people of Pakistan join the people of Turkey in honouring the martyrs and supporting their families. The historic, fraternal and multi-dimensional relations between Pakistan and Turkey are without parallel and have withstood the test of times. The people and the Government of Pakistan reiterate their strong support for the Government and the people of Turkey in their quest for national security, peace and prosperity, and as always, will continue to stand by them towards the achievement of these shared goals.”

“Our prayers and best wishes are with you and the people of Turkey in your march towards peace and prosperity, and ever greater glory.”