Islamabad: Turkey, which is grappling with the devastation after powerful earthquakes that killed more than 12,500 people, has refused to host Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the capital Ankara. The Express Tribune cited official sources as saying that Shahbaz Sharif’s visit to Turkey has been postponed due to the ongoing rehabilitation work of the Turkish leadership and bad weather.
Sources said the PML-N leader was scheduled to leave for Turkey on February 8, however, the trip has been postponed and he would not be able to visit the quake-hit areas as the helicopter could not take off during bad weather. He said that the President and Vice President of Turkey and the entire political leadership are engaged in relief work.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office also confirmed that Turkey has canceled Sharif’s visit to the country in view of relief efforts being carried out after Monday’s earthquake and aftershocks in which thousands were killed and injured.
Turkey is facing a major humanitarian crisis after an earthquake shook the country on Monday. Earthquake tremors were also felt in neighboring countries including Syria. Countries around the world are sending relief supplies and rescue teams to Turkey to aid in the rescue operations. However, the Pakistan PM had planned to visit the earthquake-hit country.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb had said that Shahbaz Sharif would leave for Ankara on Wednesday morning to show solidarity with the people of Turkey.
Aurangzeb said in a tweet that the all-party conference to be held on Thursday has been postponed. Maryam Aurangzeb tweeted, “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will leave for Ankara tomorrow morning, he will express his condolences and sympathies to the people of Turkey for the devastation and loss of life caused by the earthquake. Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey due, Thursday, February 9 The APC convened on 6th September is being postponed, a new date will be announced in consultation with allies.”
Turkey’s move to cancel Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the earthquake-hit country has sparked a wildfire on social media. Many internet users have criticized the Pakistan PM’s decision as “ill-advised”, noting that Pakistan itself is facing a severe economic crisis and food shortage.
Here are some of those Twitter reactions:-
When our Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was missing Turkish kebabs, the people of Turkey called him and said that there is no need to come, just sit comfortably.
Remember, Azerbaijan is their neighboring country. And they have good relations with us.#turkeysyria earthquake #shahbazsharif pic.twitter.com/3PoaMwHgiu— Haseeb Arslan (@HaseebarslanUK) February 8, 2023
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s visit #turkey is postponed. It’s a wise decision #turkey Rescue missions and financial support are required, while your visit may prevent them from helping those in need due to protocols. #turkey Appreciate @GovtofPakistan Attempt. pic.twitter.com/Ge9qz2vyYu— Nabya Shahid (@nabyashahid) February 7, 2023
The last thing Turkey wants at such a time is to take care of state guests. Please send relief workers only. – Azam Jamil (@AzamJamil53) February 7, 2023
The Turkish government instructed Shehbaz Sharif not to come to Turkey at this time. So, his trip to Turkey gets canceled for begging. #shahbazsharif– Aamir Shamshad (@Amirshamshad9) February 7, 2023
this duffer #shahbazsharif He didn’t realize he was preparing himself for a slap in the face #turkey , Will a nation reeling under the pain of one of the worst natural disasters of this century spend time with the biggest loser of the bankrupt country, the unelected prime minister? Why – Sara Taseer (@sarataseer) February 9, 2023
When our Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was missing Turkish kebabs, the people of Turkey called him and said that there is no need to come, just sit comfortably.
Remember, Azerbaijan is their neighboring country. And they have good relations with us.#turkeysyria earthquake #shahbazsharif pic.twitter.com/3PoaMwHgiu— Haseeb Arslan (@HaseebarslanUK) February 8, 2023
Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has been slapped with international humiliation as earthquake-hit Turkey refuses to host PM Shahbaz Sharif. Turkey has no time and no money to host beggars, as they are busy with rescue and relief work. pic.twitter.com/qg3Yzkl6lc
— Oxomia Giori (@SoulFacts) February 8, 2023
So reportedly, Turkey’s foreign ministry has barred Shehbaz Sharif from visiting Turkey as relief operations are underway.
What a great disgrace and shame! – MNA (@Engr_Naveed111) February 7, 2023
Turkish authorities have barred Shehbaz Sharif from traveling to Turkey as relief work continues. Hun aram ai? Was it necessary to be homeless?
— Seth Abdullah (@SethAbdullah99) February 7, 2023