Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed profound sorrow over the devastating forest fire that has engulfed Türkiye’s Izmir province, leading to the evacuation of over 50,000 people. He extended his heartfelt sympathies to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the people of Türkiye, assuring them of Pakistan’s unwavering support.
In a statement, the Prime Minister conveyed his hope and prayers that the fires would be brought under swift control, minimizing the loss of life and property. Raging wildfires, exacerbated by strong winds, have forced mass evacuations, particularly from the Seferihisar and Menderes districts of Izmir, with operations at Izmir’s Adnan Menderes Airport temporarily suspended due to the thick smoke.
Reaffirming the strong fraternal bond between the two nations, Prime Minister Sharif stated, “Pakistan stands in full solidarity with our brave and resilient Turkish brothers and sisters, and is ready to offer any kind of assistance required in this hour of need.”
Turkish authorities have been battling 263 wildfires nationwide over the past three days, with Izmir being the most severely affected. Initial assessments have revealed the destruction of numerous homes and businesses. Experts attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of these blazes to climate change, highlighting the challenges faced by Türkiye’s coastal regions during hotter and drier summers.
