Turkey post-coup crackdown: Ankara, Islamabad discuss fate of Gulen organisations

Islamabad: Turkey and Pakistan Tuesday were in talks over the future of educational and cultural organisations linked to dissident preacher Fetullah Gulen, whom Ankara has accused of involvement in last month’s botched coup.

Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu met Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad. Later, the two jointly addressed media.

“Institutions by Gulen in Pakistan and other countries are a problem. We have full cooperation from Pakistan and I am sure all necessary measures will be taken,” Cavusoglu said.

He said Turkey was taking effective steps against those who plotted to topple the government.

“We are taking action against those involved in the coup … All those responsible will be brought to justice, including those with educational and cultural organizations,” he said.

Gulen, who lives in the United States and runs a global network of educational and cultural initiatives, strongly denies the allegations against him.

In Pakistan, more than 10,000 students are enrolled in at least 21 schools and colleges run by Gulen.

Islamabad and Ankara enjoy close ties and Pakistan was among the first countries to denounce the failed coup.