ANKARA: Chairman of Turkey’s Great Union Party (BBP), Mustafa Destici, has expressed strong support for Pakistan amid India’s unsubstantiated allegations after the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Addressing an event in Turkey on Thursday, Destici emphasised that Turkey should stand with its brotherly nation, Pakistan—not only as a matter of emotional or moral duty, but as a requirement of principled politics.
He stated that supporting Pakistan would be a testament to the deep bonds of brotherhood and friendship between the two countries, noting that Pakistan has consistently stood by Turkey in times of need.
He said it is our duty to stand with Pakistan and its people with the same spirit, sincerity, and loyalty till our last breath.
He said Turkiye must take measures to ensure that hostilities between Pakistan and India do not escalate to the level of war.
Political analysts have described Mustafa Destici’s statement as a significant achievement for Pakistan’s foreign policy. They noted that Turkey’s firm stance in support of Pakistan reflects the growing discontent among Islamic countries regarding India’s policies.
Analysts further observed that many Muslim nations are deeply concerned about the ongoing atrocities against Muslims in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Pahalgam Crisis
The tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours escalated after gunmen attacked tourists in the Pahalgam area of occupied Kashmir on 22 April, killing 26 people and injuring 17.
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s baseless accusations.
A day after the Pahalgam incident on 23 April, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security approved measures including the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
In response, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) met on 24 April and warned that any attempt by India to block water flows into Pakistan would be considered an act of war.
Pakistan Army Chief warns Indian attack to face swift response
Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Thursday said that Pakistan remained committed to regional peace however, any military misadventure by India will be met with a “swift, resolute, and notch-up response”.
“Let there be no ambiguity: any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute, and notch-up response. While Pakistan remains committed to regional peace, our preparedness and resolve to safeguard national interests is absolute,” Army Chief General Munir stated as quoted by the military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Pakistan Army conducts large-scale military exercises
Pakistan Army on Thursday conducted large-scale military exercises demonstrating combat readiness and advanced firepower.
According to media reports citing security sources, the exercises involved live-fire demonstrations and were designed to deliver a robust response to any aggression by the adversary.
The exercise was meticulously designed to validate combat readiness, battlefield synergy, and the operational integration of cutting-edge weapon systems under near-battlefield conditions.
On Tuesday, the Pakistan Army had shot down two Indian quadcopters after they violated the country’s airspace along the LoC in two separate areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said.
The same day, Modi told his armed forces that they had the “complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response to the terror attack”.
Friendly countries and global powers have urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, advising them to solve the matter through diplomatic engagement.
