Pakistani minister hails Turkey’s OIC move on Jerusalem

By Izzet Mazi

KILIS, Turkey

Pakistani Justice Minister Zafarullah Khan hailed on Wednesday Turkey’s leadership for holding extraordinary summit of Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), where East Jerusalem was recognized as the capital of Palestine.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency in southern Kilis province, Khan said that the extraordinary summit held on the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was “a sign that Turkish people feel the pain of Palestinians.”

The OIC issued a declaration recognizing East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, in a move against U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced his decision to formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Jerusalem remains at the core of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might eventually serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

Khan was in Kilis to observe Turkish non-governmental organizations’ efforts to help Syrian refugees, who fled their country due to a civil war.

“Turkey is one of the leading countries of the Muslim Ummah [community]. It had been a leading country since last 700 years,” he said, referring to the Ottoman Empire era.

The minister praised Turkey’s development as a Muslim country, progress on democracy and reconsolidation of various competing ideologies and interests in the country.

Turkey’s democratic experiences are “good lessons” for entire Muslim world, Khan said, adding: “We tell our people and our government that Turkish model is a successful one."

“This is the conception, which now most of the Muslim countries have. Therefore, they look towards Turkey to learn many good examples," he added.

Calling Pakistan and Turkey as “brother countries”, he said: “I can say our hearts beat with the hearts of Turkish people.”

“I pray for people of Turkey and state of Turkey,” the minister added.