Pak extends felicitations to Turkey on outcome of referendum

Pakistan has extended felicitations to the Government and people of Turkey on the outcome of the referendum for the constitutional amendment, according to the unofficial results.

The Pakistan President Mamnoom Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in their separate messages to the Turkish leaders have congratulated Turkey over this important decision.

In their messages, they have highlighted that this affirmative vote for a constitutional amendment in today's referendum is reflective of the desire of the Turkish people for a strong Turkey, said an official release.

They have expressed hope that it would help consolidate the impressive gains made in Turkey over the past 15 years for stability and prosperity and pave the way for continued accelerated progress of the Turkish people in future.

In these congratulation messages, Pakistani leadership has reaffirmed the strong desire of the people of Pakistan for further strengthening the historic bonds of friendship between the two countries and their peoples through mutually beneficial cooperation and exchanges.

Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has claimed victory in the referendum, which would see the country switch from the Parliamentary to the Presidential system.

Not only the result will give him new powers as the country's head of state, but will also extend his influence over the judiciary making him dominant over the Parliament.

As of now, unofficial results showed 'Yes' with 51.34 percent while 'No' had 48.66 percent, reports state news agency Anadolu.

Erdogan congratulated the heads of political parties, who supported him in the 'Yes' campaign in Sunday's referendum.

The president also thanked the voters, who went to the polls to reflect their choice.