MR Yousuf Raza Gilani has returned the necklace donated to Pakistan for the flood-stricken in 2010 by the wife of then Prime Minister Recep Tayyep Erdogan, currently Turkey’s President.

Although the sorry saga is coming to an end, my soul is wounded. As a Pakistani, I feel ashamed in front of the Turkish people who have always helped Pakistan whole-heartedly in times of crisis. The necklace has a historical and symbolic value which our leaders failed to understand. What a shame and disgrace .

Turks regard us as their brothers. Turkish shopkeepers will gladly give discounts to any Pakistani who will shop in their establishments. There is a historical back ground to this affection.

After World War I, in the twilight of the Ottoman Empire, the Muslims of British India opposed the dismemberment of Turkey. Muslim women of the subcontinent donated their expensive jewelry to support Turkey. In return the Turks developed a great love for the Muslims of South asia. This respect passed from generation to generation and is still reflected by the constant support to Pakistan by the Turkish government.

Syed Nusrat Ali

Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2015

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