Pakistan to turn THIS country into another PoK? Turkey asks Islamabad to build ties with…, concern for India because…

In a fresh chapter in Pakistan-Turkey relations, Ankara has urged Islamabad to build ties with Northern Cyprus, which is illegally-occupied by Turkey, akin to how Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan.

Pakistan Turkey relations: After supporting Pakistan and providing it with military drones to attack India during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, Turkey is now asking for pay its dues in their strategic partnership, as Ankara has urged Islamabad to develop closer ties with Northern Cyprus, and increase its presence in the disputed region.

The development is being viewed as a new chapter in the budding Pakistan-Turkey relations.

Northern Cyprus is illegally-occupied by Turkey, akin to how Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan. Ankara calls the region the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’, but the area is not recognized as a separate country or part of Turkey by the majority of world nations, including India.

Why Turkey wants Pakistan in Northern Cyprus?

As per geopolitical experts, Turkey wants Northern Cyprus to be recognized as part of its territory, and Pakistan developing ties with the disputed region is a big step in that direction. Additionally, the presence of Pakistan in Northern Cyprus would bolster Turkey’s military occupation and serve as a backup in case of a potential conflict in the region.

During a recent visit to Islamabad, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yasar Guler emphasised the close and fraternal relations between Turkey and Islamabad, and appreciated the growing momentum in bilateral ties while stressing the importance of enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment and energy, according to a statement issued by the Pakistani Foreign Office.

“The visiting Foreign Minister conveyed greetings on behalf of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reaffirmed Turkey’s strong desire to further deepen cooperation with Pakistan. He also highlighted the profound historical, cultural and religious ties that lay the foundation for enduring relations between the two countries,” the statement said.

As per the statement, the Turkish FM also urged Pakistan to develop relations with Northern Cyprus.

What is the Northern Cyprus dispute?

Northern Cyprus is a long-standing dispute between Turkey and Cyprus, stemming from border and racial issues which dates back to the 1974 Cyprus conflict when a military coup, orchestrated by the Greek Cypriot National Guard with support from the Greek military junta, attempted to unite Cyprus with Greece.

Following the coup, Turkey invaded and captured the northern part of Cyprus–including the once-famous tourist city of Varosha– citing concerns for the Turkish Cypriot population. The island was divided into two separate regions, Cyprus, which is recognized as a country by the United Nations, and Northern Cyprus, a vassal state of Ankara, that Turkish Cypriots have proclaimed as a separate nation.

There are around 35,000 Turkish troops deployed in the region, and the presence of Pakistan would further bolster this military occupation, essentially turning the area into another PoK.

What are India’s options?

The budding strategic alliance between Turkey and Pakistan is matter of grave concern for India, and Ankara asking Islamabad to increase presence in Northern Cyprus is being viewed as a part of Turkey’s larger plan to increase its regional influence and military power, which could pose a threat to New Delhi in the coming future.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Cyprus last month during which he announced to increase bilateral cooperation with the island nation. Modi also viewed the border of Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus from Cyprus’ capital Nicosia. Thus, while Pakistan moves into Northern Cyprus, India could thwart Ankara and Islamabad’s designs by strengthening relations with Cyprus.