ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the announcement of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) dissolution, marking a significant move toward lasting peace and a terror-free Turkiye.
Taking to his social media platform, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his support, stating, “This historic development reflects the unflinching resolve of Turkish leadership under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish nation to continue their march towards reconciliation, unity, and stability.”
He further emphasized the strong commitment between Pakistan and Turkiye to eliminate terrorism in all its forms. Both nations have been longstanding allies in the fight against terrorism.
In response to the announcement, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan also welcomed the development, describing it as an essential step towards ensuring sustainable peace and stability. He highlighted the deep-rooted fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, underscoring their mutual support in counterterrorism efforts.
The PKK, a group that has waged an insurgency since 1984, announced its dissolution after its 12th congress. The decision to disband was in line with a call from PKK’s founder Abdullah Ocalan, who has been jailed since 1999. Ocalan urged the group to disarm and disband in February. Subsequently, the PKK declared a ceasefire, signaling the end of its more than four decades of armed struggle.
President Erdogan recently hinted that the dissolution announcement was imminent, reaffirming his government’s determination to free Turkey from terrorism. The PKK has long been considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.
The ongoing conflict, which initially sought to establish a Kurdish homeland, has resulted in the loss of more than 40,000 lives. The dissolution of the PKK marks a hopeful step toward ending this bloodshed and achieving peace in the region.
