As wildfires sweep over Turkey, Pakistan offers its support to the Turkish government. In a recent Tweet, PM Khan expresses that Pakistan is ready to help in any way it can during this difficult time.
More than 70 wildfires broke out this week in provinces on Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts as well as inland areas. According to President Erdogan, 14 wildfires are still burning.
As per official reports, the death toll is four currently, with 58 injured. Agriculture Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said the government evacuated 18 villages and districts in Antalya. It also evacuated 16 others in neighboring provinces of Adana and Mersin, as fires spread around Manavgat on Wednesday, fanned by strong winds in hot weather. President Erdogan enabled all forces to fight the wildfires.
Planes from Russia and Ukraine helped battle the flames and another from Azerbaijan was joining them. Pakistan also extended support to Turkey.
“We stand with the government and people of Turkey and share in their sorrow at the tragic loss of life in the wildfires tragedy. Pakistan stands ready to offer any help that the Turkish government and people may need at this difficult time,” PM Imran Khan tweeted on on wildfires in Turkey.
We stand with the govt & people of Turkey & share in their sorrow at the tragic loss of life in the wildfires tragedy. Pakistan stands ready to offer any help that the Turkish govt & people may need at this difficult time. https://t.co/cb30nZiZjo
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 30, 2021
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also tweeted his condolences and support for the Turkish government.
“Pakistan shares our condolences and support to the government of Turkey and to our Turkish brothers and sisters over the loss of lives and property as a result of deadly forest fires,” he expressed.
Pakistan shares our condolences and support to the government of Turkey and to our Turkish brothers and sisters over the loss of lives and property as a result of deadly forest fires. @MevlutCavusoglu
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) July 30, 2021
With the #PrayForTurkey trending on Pakistani Twitter, the population of Pakistan too conveyed their condolences and prayers for Turkey.
Read more: Prayers for Turkey as eruption of multiple wildfires show doomsday scenario
More on Pak-Turkey relations
Both the countries share a special relationship. Over the years, their cooperation strengthened. Last year, Pakistan and Turkey decided in their 15th round of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Military Dialogue Group (HLMDG) to work together to enhance defense cooperation. The meeting focused on security and counter-terrorism.
Turkey also helps maintain Pakistan’s fleet of F-16 aircraft. In 2016, Turkey gave 34 T-37 aircraft (with spares) to Pakistan. Turkey also agreed to purchase MFI-17 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft from Pakistan.
On the economic front, Turkey is credited with boosting investment in Pakistan. Earlier this year, Turkey vamped up investment in Sindh.
Furthermore, the Turkish series Ertugrul is a personal fan favorite in Pakistan. The drama alone improved Pak-Turkish relations.
Read more: Ertugrul’s Bamsi Bey trends in Pakistan after death scene