Turkey Syria Earthquake: We are busy in rescue and relief work, no need to come, Pak PM Shahbaz Sharif had to cancel his Turkey tour

Amid sub-zero temperatures and blizzards, an earthquake struck Turkey and Syria that scared the world. Five earthquakes one after the other destroyed everything. Thousands of people died. Every bit of Turkey and Syria trembled due to the tremors of the earthquake. Meanwhile, India has extended a helping hand towards Turkey. In this hour of grief, Turkey and Syria’s staunch enemy Israel also came forward. At the same time, Pakistan, which is facing financial crisis, has also offered Turkey’s help. But Turkey has lambasted Pakistan. According to the report of CNN News 18, Turkey lambasting Pakistan said that there is no need for us to come here. We are busy in rescue and relief operations.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s visit to Ankara on February 8 was postponed at the last minute due to the ongoing relief and rescue operations in Turkey following the devastating earthquake. Express News quoted official sources as saying that the Prime Minister was to leave for Turkey in the morning, but the visit has been postponed due to the Turkish leadership’s engagements related to rehabilitation efforts. Sources said PM Shehbaz would not be able to visit the affected areas as the helicopter could not fly during the bad weather, while Turkey’s President and Vice President are also engaged in relief activities.

The Pakistani PM’s visit is expected to be rescheduled and new dates will be announced later. Federal Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb had earlier announced that the Prime Minister would travel to Ankara to express solidarity with the people of Turkey and express her condolences to Turkish President Erdogan over the deaths due to the earthquake. The Information Minister had said that the All Parties Conference (APC) called by the Prime Minister on February 9 would be postponed and a new date would be announced in consultation with allies.