Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his ‘important victory’ in municipal elections.
The premier — who took to Twitter to congratulate Erdogan — said that he is “delighted to congratulate [the] friend of Pakistan, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on another important victory in the Turkish local elections”.
“The people of Pakistan wish him many more successes,” wrote the prime minister.
I am delighted to congratulate friend of Pakistan Recep Tayyip Erdogan on another important victory in the Turkish local elections. The people of Pakistan wish him many more successes.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 1, 2019
Reportedly, the ruling Justice and Development Party – which has been in power since 2003 – lost control of the capital Ankara for the first time and the race for Istanbul mayor is still too close to call early.
Turkish broadcasters said opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidate Mansur Yavas had won a clear victory in Ankara, but the vote count in Istanbul was so tight that both parties declared the narrowest of victories.
Erdogan, who has dominated Turkish politics for long and ruled his country with an ever tighter grip, campaigned relentlessly for two months ahead of Sunday’s vote, which he described as a “matter of survival” for Turkey.