Turkey, which has been facing a major humanitarian crisis following a powerful earthquake, has reportedly directed Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to cancel his visit to Ankara as the country's ministers are busy with relief and rescue operations.

The major embarrassment for PM Sharif came at the very last moment when he was scheduled to visit the devastated country on Wednesday morning. 

There has been devastation due to the earthquake in Turkey. Countries around the world are sending relief materials and rescue teams to Turkey.

Pakistan’s attempt to capitalize Turkey’s earthquake as an opportunity backfired. In fact, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif announced his visit to Ankara with foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto to show solidarity with Turkey. Pak PM did not think that the country which is currently facing a natural disaster, resources should not be spent on VIP visits. In such a situation, Turkey itself refused to host Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif.

Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan’s information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb informed that Shehbaz Sharif would leave for Ankara on Wednesday morning. “He will express his condolences and condolences to President Erdogan for the destruction of the earthquake, the loss of life, and the people of Turkey. Due to Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey, the APC convened on Thursday is being postponed, a new date will be announced in consultation with the allies," she said.

However, hours after her tweet, Azam Jamil, former special assistant to the prime minister of Turkey, took to social media to announce his country's reluctance to host Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif.

"The last thing Turkey wants at a time like this is to look after state guests. Please send relief staff only," he tweeted.

Citing sources in Pakistan's foreign ministry, Express News reported that Sharif's visit has been postponed due to bad weather and the Turkish leadership's engagements related to the ongoing rehabilitation efforts. It added that Pakistan's premiere would not be able to visit the affected areas as the helicopter could not fly during bad weather. Also, it noted that president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his vice president are also engaged in relief activities.

"Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to establish the Prime Minister's Relief Fund to support the earthquake victims of our brother country Turkey in their difficult times. The cabinet has announced to donate 1 month salary to the relief fund. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appealed for the generous help of our brother country Turkey," Maryam Aurangzeb tweeted.

Notably, Pakistan has been facing the worst-ever economic crisis and terrorism, with inflation reaching a record high and the country witnessing major blasts in the past six months. As per Pakistani media reports, PM Sharif had scheduled to address an All-Party Conference (APC) in order to discuss the ongoing situation. However, he has postponed the meeting twice and announced to visit the devastated nation. It sent air contingents on February 6 night to carry out relief operations in Turkey. 
 

Image source: AFP