As tensions escalate, Türkiye has stepped forward
as a firm ally of Pakistan, extending strong
diplomatic, political, and public support
Shabana Ayaz
(President of Türk_ pak women forum )
Islamabad: As tensions escalate between Pakistan and India, Türkiye has stepped forward as a firm ally of Pakistan, extending strong diplomatic, political, and public support. Turkish leaders and citizens have widely expressed solidarity with Pakistan on national and social media platforms.
Ali Şahin, Chairman of the Türkiye-Pakistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group and a Member of the Turkish Parliament, has been instrumental in elevating Pakistan’s position on the global stage. He warned of a broader “neo-colonial security agenda” led by global powers seeking to create a nuclear-free zone favorable to Israel, stretching from Tel Aviv to the India-China border.
“India is applying Israel’s occupation model from Palestine to Kashmir,” Şahin said. “While India seeks to become the ‘Israel of Asia,’ it is turning Kashmir into another Palestine.”
Şahin Warns of Escalation Toward Nuclear Conflict
Şahin emphasized that the Pakistan-India dispute is among the most volatile in the world and could easily spiral into a nuclear confrontation. Drawing parallels with the Middle East, he said a third global front could emerge in Asia, further destabilizing world peace.
He pointed to the growing division between global power blocs—China-Russia-Pakistan versus the U.S.-India-Israel—as a key driver of regional polarization and prolonged hostility.
India Responds with Boycott Campaigns Against Türkiye
Türkiye’s support for Pakistan has triggered a fierce backlash in India. Social media has erupted with hashtags like #TurkeyBoycott, and Indian influencers and news outlets are urging citizens to avoid Turkish products and destinations.
The boycott gained momentum following reports of Pakistan using Turkish drones and tech in border clashes, and the downing of Israeli-made Harop drones by Pakistani forces. Indian frustration has been further fueled by Türkiye’s strategic and defense alignment with Pakistan.
A viral poster circulating online targets major Turkish brands—including Arçelik, Beko, Vestel, Ülker, Çaykur, and Turkish Airlines—urging Indian consumers to stop supporting Turkish businesses.
Turkish Tourism Unfazed by Indian Boycott
Despite the uproar, Turkish tourism experts have downplayed the impact. Gökhan Sönmez, a prominent Antalya-based tour operator, remarked:
“The absence of Indian tourists will not hurt us significantly. Turkey attracts millions of visitors annually from Russia, Germany, the UK, Poland, and the Netherlands. Indian tourist numbers are relatively small.”
Sönmez added that 2025 is already shaping up to be a record year, with early bookings and strong demand. “If Indians don’t come, Pakistanis will. European interest is also climbing,” he said.
Pakistanis Rally Behind Turkish Tourism
In a show of solidarity, Pakistanis are supporting Türkiye’s tourism sector. At a recent tourism expo in Pakistan, sessions titled “Discover Türkiye’s Tourism Potential” drew large crowds. The two nations also signed new tourism cooperation agreements, strengthening bilateral ties.
Türkiye typically welcomes 250,000–300,000 Indian tourists annually, with a 20% increase expected in 2025. However, officials now believe Pakistani and Chinese travelers could fill any potential gaps.
Meanwhile, up to 40,000 Turkish citizens travel to India each year, but many are reconsidering their plans due to the boycott and ongoing political tensions.
Türkiye-Pakistan Brotherhood Remains Strong
Despite India’s economic retaliation and online outrage, Türkiye’s support for Pakistan remains unwavering. The two countries continue to deepen their bond through shared history, cultural ties, and strategic interests.
In an increasingly polarized world, Türkiye and Pakistan are standing shoulder to shoulder—advocating for peace, justice, and regional cooperation over conflict and coercion.
