Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has voiced serious concern over the growing tensions between India and Pakistan, warning that the situation could spiral into a full-blown conflict following deadly missile strikes.
“We are concerned that the tension between Pakistan and India could escalate into an open conflict,” President Erdogan said in a statement shared on social media.
“I pray for Allah’s mercy on our brothers who lost their lives, and I extend my condolences to the brotherly people and government of Pakistan.”
India launched strikes on Pakistan and AJK early Wednesday morning — an assault that Islamabad called a “blatant act of war”.
Islamabad said six Pakistani locations, from mosques to hydropower projects, were targeted. At least 31 civilians, including children, were martyred and 57 sustained injuries after India launched an unprovoked and devious attack at six locations — Ahmedpur East, Muridke, Sialkot and Shakkargarh in Punjab and Muzaffarabad and Kotli in Azad Kashmir.
In retaliation, the Pakistan armed forces shot down five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, seven drones, destroyed a brigade headquarters and several checkposts along the Line of Control (LoC).
In his statement, Erdogan also regretted that recent Indian strikes led to the martyrdom of numerous civilians in Pakistan.
The Turkish leader also pointed out that he had held a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a day earlier to discuss the situation.
