Muhammad Usman
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THE Turkish President, Tayyab Erdogan visited Pakistan for two days off lately. It was most refreshing development, following diplomatic blunder by Pakistan at Kuala Lumpur Summit 2019 where PM Imran Khan was to stand back to back with Malaysian PM, Mahathir Mohammad and Tayyab Erdogan to advance the cause of depleted Islamic world, embroiled in state of unending crises. They are considered most vibrant voices of Islamic world at international stage. Pakistan had to skip the Summit under duress, owing to its prickly economic woes. Instead of taking to their heart, both showed understanding. Probably, instant visit was aimed at damage control and pluck Pakistan out of adversity which forced Pakistan to take unfortunate course. Some keen observers have termed the visit a “Curtain Raiser”. During the visit, both countries have signed a string of deals including agreements, protocols and memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) to boost existing bilateral ties in the field of trade, energy, tourism, defence and infrastructure development. The central strand of all these documents was declaration of strategic economic framework whose assigned task is to increase existing bilateral trade volume from $800 Million to $5 Billion by year 2023. Both would negotiate to finalize a Free Trade Agreement between them in forthcoming month of April. This was the economic dimension which was agreed upon to be pursued vigorously and implemented. It is a giant step forward to forge economic partnership between the two. A landmark agreement is also under consideration for grant of dual nationality to citizens of both countries mutually. Besides, President Erdogan also took extra pain to galvanize historical lineage which ties both countries.
Pak-Turkish ties dates back to almost a century when after fall of Ottoman Empire in early Nineteen Century, Khilafat Movement was launched by Muslims of the subcontinent to pressurize British Government to preserve authority of Ottoman Sultan as the Caliph or leader of Muslim world. This was indeed an act of unbounded sense of brotherhood for other Muslims at the times of their ordeal and found a permanent place at deep recess of the hearts of Turkish people. Often it finds expression. Once again, it echoed when President Erdogan addressed the Pakistan Parliament during the visit. He said unequivocally that our friendship is based on love, not on vested interests. The issue of Kashmir is as important to Turkey as it is to Pakistan. We have never forgotten and will never forget the help which people of Pakistan extended by sharing their bread and blood during our war of independence. Now, Kashmir is and will be the same for us. It was Canakkale [Gallipoli] yesterday and it is Kashmir today. Our strong historical ties which always maintained its vitality, make Turkey and Pakistan exclusive to each other. I hope, we will spread this spirit of solidarity and fraternity, In Sha Allah to the whole world. Without doubt or fear of contradiction, it could be said that this is the level and range of historical romance, warmth, affection and fondness which people of Pakistan also equally share and cherish. Besides, ties between Pakistan and Turkey are also characterized by their geo-political importance and shared understanding.
Given its buoyant economy, military might, history, geography ideological appeal, leadership and will to forge political alignments and standby, Turkey is increasingly becoming a player in the region to be reckoned with. It claims for providing assistance to Muslims, no matter where they are. It claims for having played a leading role in Libya, Yemen, Syria and Palestine while not sitting on fence but on frontlines of the battle too. Its claims are not phony but quite well founded and have earned Turkey acclaim, prestige and goodwill among Muslims. With expiration of 100 years old treaty “Treaty of Lausanne” in 2023, there may be a sea change in its global stature. Turkey would be free to enter a new era by drilling for oil and digging a new channel connecting Black Sea and Sea of Marmara as a prelude to collect fee from passing ships. Pakistan is also an important country in the world, particularly in the region and Muslim countries. The CPEC passes through Pakistan which distinguishes it geopolitically multifariously. It possesses nuclear power and excellence in missile technology. Its defence forces are second to none in valour and professionalism and the people are talented and resilient. Seeing above versatile capabilities/capacities of both countries, coupled with their mutual bonds, a synergized outcome of enhanced friendship between the two, would far exceed customary expectations/estimates because both countries could leverage strength of each other maximally without inhibition or fear of mistrust. Such an equation could also soberly influence Islamic world. With this, one is reminded of 1970s. There were Shah Faisal of Saudi Arabia, Muammar Gaddafi of Libya and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of Pakistan. They were tremendous leaders in their own right and became a moving force to unite Islamic world to an appreciable extent. Under their guidance/support, OIC became relatively an effective platform. Arguably, with their presence, Islamic world was able to use oil as a weapon to crack sense among countries, supportive of Israel unjustly. Now there are Erdogan, Imran Khan and Mahathir Mohammad who could also become harbinger of change in Islamic world. With their presence, either OIC has to come out its slumber or give way to another platform to better address issues of conflict, extremism and oppression/occupation, being confronted by Muslims. The enhanced friendship between Pakistan and Turkey may accelerate its process.
— The writer, a retired Lt Col, is freelance columnist based in Islamabad.
