Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan expressed his gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday, calling him a “dear brother” during a conversation between the two leaders. In a message posted on social media, Sharif thanked Erdogan for standing with Pakistan during what he described as a “critical time” for the country.
Sharif said he informed the Turkish president about the efforts of Pakistan’s military in responding to recent regional developments. “We will protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs,” he said, adding that Pakistan deeply values Turkey’s role in encouraging calm and promoting peace in South Asia.
The public expression of appreciation comes amid rising tensions following missile strikes by India on locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Turkey has openly supported Pakistan’s stance and called for restraint. A statement released by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said that India’s actions risk escalating the situation into a larger conflict.
“We condemn such provocative steps as well as attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure,” the ministry said. It also backed Pakistan’s demand for an impartial investigation into the April 22 militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir—a claim Delhi attributes to Pakistan but which Islamabad firmly denies.
Pakistan and Turkey have long maintained close diplomatic and defense relations. The latest interaction between the two leaders reflects continued coordination between the allies as tensions in the region remain high.
