Gulen-run institutions to rule agenda during Turkish FM's talks with Pak leadership

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is presently in Islamabad on a two-day official visit to hold talks with the Pakistani authorities on bilateral ties and regional security situation.

However, the focus of Cavusoglu's visit will be on Turkey's efforts to seek the closure of educational institutions and other businesses in Pakistan that are run by US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Turkish authorities blame for masterminding the recent military coup, reports the Express Tribune.

Gulen, the arch-enemy of Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is living in a self-imposed exile in the United States. The Turkish President has demanded his extradition.

Gulen has, however, denied his involvement in the military coup and Washington has asked for evidence for his extradition.

When asked about the Turkish demand for action against Gulen-run institutions, Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakria said that Islamabad was in contact with Ankara on the issue and will look for sustainable solutions.

"Authorities in both the countries are in touch with each other to address Turkish concerns while also remaining cognisant of the importance of avoiding disruption in the academic activities of a sizeable number of students," said Zakria.

After the coup, Turkey had called upon all friendly countries to shut down all Gulen-run institutions.