15th July 2016 was the dawn of the Türkiye democracy and rule of law in the country when Fethullah Terror Organization (FETO) staged a full scale coup attempt to topple the legitimate democratic government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The valiant citizens of Turkiye stood equal to the challenge thwarting the attempt on their bright future by storming at the roads and presenting the sacrifices of their precious lives for their next generations. On 15th July 2022 , the 6th anniversary of the thwarted coup, people of Turkiye memorized 251 martyrs and the thousands who had serious injuries while fighting back the terrorists with empty hands.
Embassy of Turkiye in Islamabad held a special briefing for Pakistani press addressed by new Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Pacaci on 14th July 2022. Here it is worth mentioning that this scribe has already written articles on the coup and hosted former Ambassador Mr. Mustafa Ihsan to meet the editors forum in this regard.
Supreme Court of Pakistan also declared FETO a terrorist organization with the verdict rendered on 28 December 2018. Pakistan closed down operations of Pak-Turk Schools in solidarity with brotherly Turkiye that were later replaced by Turkish Maarif. Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s support against FETO.
FETO is present in around 160 countries, with thousands of schools, businesses, NGOs, and media houses.Various countries and international organizations have declared FETO a terrorist organization. Moreover, FETO was declared a terrorist organization in the 43rd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC held on 19 October 2016. A similar resolution was passed during the Asian Parliamentary Assembly on 1 December 2016 and ratified on the 12th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC on 27 January 2017.
Dr. Mehmet Paçaci, Ambassador, highlighting the events of the coup, noted ;
“on July 15, the existence of Türkiye was in danger when FETO terrorist organization’s followers attacked but Turkish citizens from all walks of life showed courage and rendered sacrifices to protect their democratic government and institutions. The followers of FETO tried to assassinate the President of the Republic of Türkiye and attacked the Prime Minister’s vehicle. They bombarded the Grand National Assembly. The Police Special Operations Center, the crucial counter-terrorism operational body, was bombed by fighter jets, killing 55 police officers and injuring hundreds on the spot.Hundreds of civilians protesting the coup attempt in Ankara and Istanbul were shot dead.”
Ambassador further added :
“FETO secretly worked in Türkiye for 40 years and its main goal was to take control of the state. The organization had brainwashed the country’s children, brilliant minds in the name of educational institutions, and turned them against their own country. FETO controlled thousands of schools in Türkiye and more than eight hundred educational institutes worldwide. As civil servants or military personnel, FETO members’ loyalty was not to the nation or to the state they served. They did not care about upholding the country.”
“July 15th was a desperate final move of Fetullah Gülen and his followers to keep their control and capture the state. The perpetrators of the 15th of July coup attempt have been brought to justice based on rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms. A number of judicial processes are still ongoing. The fight against FETO structures abroad is now among the top priorities of our country. Our main objective is to demonstrate and prove the fact that FETO also poses a threat to the security of all countries where it remains active.”
The next day, on 15 July 2022, Speaker of Pakistani National Assembly, Raja Pervez Ashraf was guest at Turkiye Embassy in the same connection. He delivered a speech there in the presence of the parliamentarians, diplomats and media persons.
Speaker said:
“The day reminds us of the memorable victory of the Turkish democracy over the dark forces of regression and repression. As, it was this glorious day when the entire Turkish nation stood like a rock side by side its elected and popularly chosen leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan when a cowardly attempt was made to de-track Turkey from its chosen path of democracy, people’s rule and people’s progress.
Those were indeed the critical moments when the entire world watched with awe and amaze, the rise of a brave nation;
⦁ When in the darkness of night, the people stood guard to protect their rights; ⦁ When the chosen representatives of the Grand Turkish Assembly valiantly assembled to be the vanguards of democracy; ⦁ And when the loyal armed forces of the Turkish Republic chose to weed out the miscreants under the able guidance of their Supreme Commander, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The speaker congratulated Mr. Ambassador on behalf of Pakistani nation on the 6th Anniversary of those momentous times.He conveyed joint felicitations to the President, Parliament and the people of brotherly Republic of Turkey.
The speaker continued :
“The July 15 episode is indeed a great message to the entire world that nothing can harm a democratic order if it is tested and then trusted by the people.
⦁ Where the fruits of democracy are reaped by the electorate in terms of homogeneous progress and prosperity; ⦁ Where the poor are not left at the mercy of narrow interests but where a democratic State is seen as their guardian and protector.
It therefore goes to the vision and acumen of President Erdogan that under his leadership the Turkish democracy has evolved to bring stability, strength and prosperity to the country and the nation.”
Raja Pervez Ashraf said,
“Turkiye, indeed, is today’s role model for the developing democracies of the World. As Turkey’s time-tested friend, Pakistan has always stood side by side its Turkish brothers and sisters, including during the turning hours of July 15’s night. Our people have always taken pride in Turkiye’s progress as for generations our two people have shared our joys and sorrows together.
It is, therefore, heartening for us in Pakistan to note that President Recep Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be visiting Pakistan in September this year.”
The year 2022 also marks the 75th Anniversary of the diplomatic relations among our two modern states. So, it will, indeed be an honour and an opportunity for all of us to listen to the ideas and vision of the Turkish President on global peace, islamophobia and mutual growth. Further, the visit will also help our two nations in reshaping our strategic partnership in the changing times.
The speaker was anxious about his visit to Turkiye next week on the invitation of Speaker of the Turkish Grand Assembly, Mustafa Sentop to participate in the trilateral parliamentary forum of Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkiye. He expressed hope that his visit will further pave way in cementing the existing fraternal ties between our two Parliaments.
Tazeen Akhtar
