Gul urges unity at critical time
By Makhdoom Babar

ISLAMABAD—Turkish President Abdullah Gul Monday urged the international community to remain committed to a “constructive approach” towards Pakistan, keeping in view its pivotal role against global terrorism. “Pakistan is important here ... (its) future in this difficult geography ... region. Therefore, constructive approach is important,” Turkish President said at a joint press conference along with President Pervez Musharraf, following a round of formal talks and an exclusive meeting here at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
About the need for political stability in the country, the Turkish President said “democracy is essential for sustainability of states, but at the same time the realities of a country should be taken into consideration.” “In this type of critical period all leading figures should focus on future of Pakistan,” Abdullah Gul added.
He said there was a need for getting the “big picture” and constructive behaviour to help the country overcome the difficult phase it was passing through. Responding to a question about President Gul’s meetings with the Pakistani political leaders later in the day, President Musharraf said “my brother’s (President Gul) interests lie in Pakistan and not in any individual or political party.”
He said all political and personal issues must be subservient to the interests of Pakistan and added “one has to see the bigger picture and not the narrowly focused one.” President Musharraf said like his Turkish counterpart mentioned his objective has always been “Pakistan first.”
Chairman Tehrik-e-Insaaf, Imran Khan and Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Qazi Hussain Ahmed and Head of Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam (F), Maulana Fazalur Rehman held separate meetings with visiting Turkish President Abdullah Gul and discussed bilateral issues and political situation in Pakistan. Talking to mediamen after the meeting, Imran Khan said he was admirer of present Turkish leadership which brought democracy in their country. After Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir Muhammad, Abdullah Gul is the second leader in the Islamic world who established true democracy in an Islamic country.
To a question, he said his party is boycotting elections owing to removal of judges from the higher courts. Maulana Fazalur Rehman termed the meeting with Abdullah Gul positive and said he welcomed the distinguished guest upon his visit to Pakistan. Pakistan and Turkey have historical, religious and cultural bonds which are improving day by day, he added.
Turkey has always supported Pakistan over Kashmir issue while Pakistan supports Turkey on the issue of Cyprus, he added. Turkey, he opined, could bridge the gap between West and Islamic Ummah. About current political situation in Pakistan, he said that Turkish leader desires that Pakistan comes out of this situation with honour and dignity.
Qazi Hussain Ahmed who met the Turkish President alongwith Prof Khurshid Ahmed and Liaquat Baloch told reporters that the meeting was very productive. He said he has old and friendly relations with Turkish President and claimed that there was no discussion on political situation in Pakistan during the meeting.