THIS is with reference to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s private one-day visit to Turkey. While the stated purpose of the trip was Mr and Mrs Sharif`s participation in the wedding of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan`s daughter, the former was also expected to hold talks with the latter on various matters.
Given the background of your story, ``Crisis-mode PM` looks up to Erdogan for inspiration` (May 9), it was likely that Mr Sharif would seize this opportunity to have a one-on-one consultation with the Turkish president regarding two pressing problems facing Mr Sharif.
The issues are as follows: First, how to tackle the allegations of corruption in the backdrop to the Panama Paper leaks and the immense pressure on him from the opposition. Second, how to put the Pakistanimilitary in its proper place, given its longstanding domination on national matters and the frosty relationship with the civilian leadership.
Mr Sharif should know that Mr Erdogan has had a very different upbringing and background than he has. The Turkish leader used to sell lemonade and sesame buns on the streets of Istanbul`s rougher districts as a teenager to make extra money (Wikipedia). Besides, he has had Islamist inclinations in student and political life. In addition, he is a member of the Naqshbandi tarigah. Furthermore, neither Mr Erdogan nor any of his family members feature in the Panama Papers.
If anything, it is hoped that Mr Erdogan would have struck some fear of God in Mr Sharif`s heart.
