Abrar Hussain: Amid the ongoing political spat between Turkey and US, in the worst diplomatic row between the two countries in recent years, newly elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, gave his backing to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Khan has been a strong critic of US foreign policy throughout his political career, and yesterday sent a message of support to the Turkish people and their president in a tweet. “On behalf of the people of Pakistan & myself, I want to let President Erdogan & the people of Turkey know we are praying for their success in dealing with the severe economic challenges confronting them, as they have always succeeded against adversities in their glorious history,” Khan wrote.
Khan’s words of support for the Turkish president highlights his fierce criticism of the US, accusing Washington of treating “Pakistan as a doormat”. He has always blasted the US drone policy, which many regards as adding fuel to the problem of terrorism. He once promised to “shoot down US drones” if he was elected prime minister.
Prior to his election victory Khan ripped US President Donald Trump for attempting to “humiliate and insult” his country and insisted that Pakistan would never again be used by the United States as a “gun for hire. Asked in a recent interview if he would meet with Trump if elected, Khan said he would, but added that it would be a “bitter pill” to swallow.
-Source: Middle East Monitor