Islamabad, 15 July 2022 (TDI): The Turkish Embassy in Islamabad on Thursday observed the sixth anniversary of July 15, 2016, when a coup attempt failed and took 251 lives and wounded thousands.
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Paçacı held a press briefing at the Embassy today (14 July) on the heinous coup attempt which was perpetrated on #15 JULY 2016 by FETO terrorist organization.H.E.Ambassador briefed 🇵🇰 media and answered the questions. pic.twitter.com/xC1v99cBKf
— Turkish Embassy in Islamabad (@TrEmbIslamabad) July 14, 2022
Dr. Mehmet Pacaci, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Pakistan, addressed journalists about the 15 July failed coup attempt by Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).
He said that it was a night when Turkish democracy was protected by the Turkish people themselves under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Turkish Ambassador said that on July 15, the existence of Türkiye was in danger when FETO terrorist organization’s followers attacked. Still, Turkish citizens from all walks of life showed courage and sacrificed to protect their democratic government and institutions.
Ambassador said that the followers of FETO tried to assassinate the Turkish President and attacked Prime Minister’s vehicle. He said they bombarded the Grand National Assembly.
“The Police Special Operation Center, the crucial counter-terrorism operational body, was bombed by fighter jets, killing 55 police officers and injuring hundreds on the spot”, he added.
Hundreds of civilians protesting the coup attempt in Ankara and Istanbul were shot dead, he informed. Ambassador said that it was Fetullah Gulen’s FETO, an organization that secretly worked in Türkiye for 40 years, and its main goal was to take control of the state.
Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO)
Ambassador explained about the FETO. For the past 40 years, FETO as remained active in brainwashing the brilliant minds in the country. As a result, these young people turned against the state.
At its peak, FETO controlled thousands of schools in Türkiye and more than eight hundred educational institutes worldwide.
As civil servants or military personnel, FETO members’ loyalty was not to the nation or state they served. They did not care about upholding the country, Ambassador added.
Ambassador Mehmet further stated that July 15 was a desperate final move of Fetullah Gulen and his followers to keep their control and capture the state.
The fight against FETO structures abroad is now the top priority of our country. Our main objective is to demonstrate and prove that FETO also poses a threat to the security of all countries where it remains active, Ambassador informed media.
Various countries and international organizations have declared FETO as a terrorist organization. Moreover, FETO has declared a terrorist organization by the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC held in 2016.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan also declared FETO a terrorist organization with the verdict rendered in December 2018, Ambassador added.
Pakistan-Turkiye Relations
Commenting on the recent visit of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to Türkiye, Ambassador said that it was a successful visit.
Ambassador also highlighted the expected visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan in September this year.
During this important high-level visit, both countries are expected to sign multiple bilateral trades and other infrastructure-related agreements. Both countries are supporting each other in all regional and international matters.
