As tensions between Pakistan and India continue to escalate following the recent Pahalgam incident, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for calm and urged both nuclear-armed neighbors to de-escalate the situation before it spirals further.
Speaking to the media after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, President Erdogan emphasized that Turkiye does not wish to see new conflicts in its region or beyond. “It has always been Turkiye’s principled stance to avoid fresh tensions both within our region and globally,” he stated.
The Turkish leader highlighted the significance of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Turkiye, describing it as taking place at an “extremely sensitive time” in the context of unfolding regional developments. He noted that during the visit, the two sides discussed deepening cooperation in trade and defense industries, reaffirming Ankara’s unwavering support for the people of Pakistan.
Erdogan appealed to both Islamabad and New Delhi to work toward reducing hostilities: “We hope the rising tensions between Pakistan and India de-escalate as soon as possible, before the situation takes a more dangerous turn.”
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned of a possible Indian military strike in the wake of what Islamabad has described as a “false flag operation” in Pahalgam. In an interview with a British news agency, Asif confirmed that Pakistan had bolstered its military presence along the eastern border in response to the threat.
“We have increased our military readiness at the border due to the possibility of Indian aggression,” he said, adding, “Pakistan will only consider the use of nuclear weapons if there is a direct existential threat.”
Asif emphasized that strategic decisions had already been taken in light of the evolving situation, and that the Pakistani military has briefed the civilian leadership on the potential for an Indian assault. He also warned of India’s intensifying rhetoric, which he said is raising alarm across the region.
With regional stability hanging in the balance, calls for dialogue and restraint are gaining urgency among the international community.
