Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan had been on a much welcome visit to Pakistan to further strengthen a mutually beneficial relationship with promotion of trade and investment as well as cooperation in the field of defence. But a small unpleasantness preceded the visit when, complying with Ankara's request, the Interior Ministry ordered quick deportation of the Pak-Turk International Schools teachers along with their families for their alleged links to US-based Turkish cleric Fathullah Gulen whom Ankara accuses of inciting last July's coup attempt against the Erdogan government. And officials of the Pak-Turk Educational Foundation challenged the order in the Islamabad High Court ahead of President Erdogan's visit, seeking extension in the teaching and administrative staff's visas till the end of the academic session.
The issue has been hanging fire since last August when the visiting Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, asked that these people be sent home. Although many in this country share the widespread concern about the large-scale sacking of academics, journalists, soldiers and others that has gone on in Turkey following the failed coup, it is not for Islamabad to interfere in the domestic affairs of that country. As for the nearly 11000 students enrolled in 26 Pak-Turk schools, their families can draw satisfaction from the government assurance that these institutions are to stay functional. A Turkish government team is to arrive in a few days time to take control of the schools and colleges which will be run by a body associated with the Turkish government. There is a humanitarian aspect of the issue, however, that also needs to be addressed.
The Interior Ministry informed the Foundation on November 14 that all foreign nationals whose visas had not been extended must leave Pakistan before November 20. It is worth noting that many of members of the Turkish staff have been living in this country since 1995, when Pak-Turk schools were first established. In several instances, their children were in Pakistan and have come to see as their only home. Understandably, these families find it difficult to suddenly pick up everything and leave within a week's time. It would be only fair therefore for the government to give a sympathetic consideration to them. As long as they know they have to leave, it should not worry the Turkish government if they take a little longer to make the return journey. The interior ministry would be wise to consult with the concerned Turkish officials for visa extension. They should be given reasonable time to prepare for permanent shifting of work and residence.
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