Turkey, which is going through a major humanitarian crisis following a devastating earthquake, has reportedly directed Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to cancel his scheduled visit to Ankara.
Turkey stated its ministers are busy with relief and rescue operations, while welcoming Indian relief efforts.
The major embarrassment for PM Sharif came at the very last moment, when he was scheduled to fly out Wednesday morning.
According to Pakistani media reports, PM Sharif and foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto were scheduled to visit Ankara on February 8 in solidarity with the victims killed in the earthquake.
‘Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will leave for Ankara tomorrow morning, he will express his condolences and condolences to President Erdo?an for the destruction of the earthquake, the loss of life, and the people of Turkey. Due to Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey, the APC convened on Thursday February 9 is being postponed, a new date will be announced in consultation with the allies,’ Pakistan’s Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb tweeted.
However, hours after her tweet, Azam Jamil, former special assistant to the prime minister of Turkey, took to social media to announce his country’s reluctance to host Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif.
‘The last thing Turkey wants at a time like this is to look after state guests. Please send relief staff only,’ he tweeted.
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