President Erdogan calls PM Imran, offers condolences over Karachi plane crash

Two leaders also agree to enhance bilateral cooperation against Covid-19 pandemic to jointly address the situation

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday received a telephone call from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He offered condolences on the tragic crash of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane in Karachi and reiterated Turkish nation’s strong support to its Pakistani brethren in this difficult time, according to an official statement.

On Friday, the PIA flight PK-8303 crashed into a densely-populated area near Karachi airport, leaving 97 passengers and crewmembers dead.

The two leaders also exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eidul Fitr. They further agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation against the Covid-19 pandemic to jointly address the situation.

PM Imran briefed the Turkish president on the steps taken to control the spread of novel coronavirus in Pakistan.

'We've lost engines,' pilot told controller moments before PIA jet went down

He thanked President Erdogan for providing valuable medical equipment, which was reflective of historic linkages between the two countries to help each other in times of need.

The premier, while discussing the long term economic repercussions of Covid-19, said that a comprehensive coordinated plan of action on debt relief and restructuring was needed to stave off socio-economic turbulence.

PM Imran also highlighted his call for ‘Global Initiative on Debt Relief’ for developing countries aimed at helping them cope with the challenges.

He briefed President Erdogan on the worsening human rights situation in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) accentuated by double lockdown and intensified military crackdown.

The prime minister also shared Pakistan’s concerns on India’s moves to alter the demographic structure of the occupied territory, while the world was preoccupied with fighting the pandemic.

He apprised the Turkish leader of the demonisation of Muslims in India in the context of Covid-19, which should be rejected by the international community.