Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently in Turkiye, to express solidarity with the victims of the devastating earthquake and oversee the relief operation.
The Prime Minister, who arrived in Turkiye on Thursday, is visiting the earthquake-affected areas to meet the Pakistani rescue and relief teams and review the ongoing rescue operation in the city.
A video was shared on social media where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif can be seen empathizing with the victims of the catastrophic Turkiye earthquake.
Read more: PM Shehbaz Sharif leaves for Turkey to express solidarity
“I offer my condolences on behalf of the people of Pakistan and the government of Pakistan and we are here as your brothers, at your service,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said to the victims.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif empathising with our Turkish brethren on the catastrophic loss of the Türkiye earthquake@CMShehbaz#PakistanStandsWithTürkiye 🇵🇰🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/vK4AxGw5u6
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) February 17, 2023
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reached Turkey to express solidarity and support with the Turkish people following the massive earthquake that claimed more than 36,000 lives and left the country reeling.
The premier, who is on a two-day trip, was welcomed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the presidency in Ankara. At the presidential palace, the premier “expressed his condolences over the loss of life and infrastructure as a result of the historic earthquake in Türkiye.”
Pertinent to mention that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier received a lot of criticism for what was being termed an “ill-advised” visit. The visit came when the Turkish authorities were busy in the rescue and relief operations after the horrific earthquakes.
Read more: PM Shehbaz under fire after Turkiye visit delayed
Amid this, PM Shehbaz received criticism for not taking into account the emergency situation in Turkiye. Those critical of the visit said Turkiye does not need to state visits, it needs assistance, and Shehbaz Sharif should prioritize economic and social calamities at home.
On a separate note, Pakistan has played a remarkable role in providing assistance to Turkiye as it carries out its rescue and relief operations. Pakistan has sent a total of nine aircraft carrying tons of relief goods for the survivors to help the people of Turkey and Syria after the devastating earthquakes.