Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, known for peddling soft Islamic extremism, once again indulged in communal diplomacy on Friday when he addressed the joint session of Pakistani Parliament.
Erdogan is trying to emerge as the new leader of the Muslim world overthrowing Saudi Arabia and he has been trying to win over Pakistan’s support in his favour by raking up Kashmir at different forums.
Erdogan reiterated his support for Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir while addressing the Pakistani lawmakers overlooking the fact that Pakistan has been aiding and abetting Islamic terrorism in Indian territory since 1947 and initiated four wars to snatch J&K from India though it failed miserably in all its attempts.
Read Also| Pakistan nervous over US decision to sell air defence weapon system to India
Erdogan recalled how Muslims of the region (part of undivided India at that time) helped Turkish soldiers in 1915 by raising funds for them in the Gallipoli campaign, the Battle of Canakkale against the Allied forces of the first world war.
“We have never forgotten and will not forget the help, which the Pakistani people delivered, during our War of Independence by piling up their own bread. Events that happened a hundred years ago in Canakkale in Turkey are being repeated in Indian occupied Kashmir,” he said.
Referring to Kashmir, Erdogan said that Turkey will always support Pakistan on this issue.
“Today, the issue of Kashmir is as close to us as it is to you. As in the past, we will continue to stand by Pakistan in the future.
Sounding like a jihadist, Erdogan said, “No distance can build a wall between the hearts of believers. If there is torture against any believers in the world, it’s our duty to help them.”
Erdogan also extended support to Pakistan in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meetings. Turkey’s support to Pakistan comes days ahead of an FATF meeting in Paris which will decide on Islamabad’s request to be taken off its grey list of non-compliant states.
