Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was accorded unprecedented protocol during his visit to Turkey. According to diplomatic circles, such protocol is given only to heads of the states. Turk President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister BinAli Yildirim especially held meetings with Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif after sparing time from their scheduled engagements. It may be mentioned that meetings of Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif with Turk President and Prime Minister were not scheduled however, arranged on his arrival at Istanbul which reflects that Turk leadership gives great importance to the leadership of Pakistan. The scheduled time of the meeting of Chief Minister with Turk President at President House was 60 minutes; however, it lasted 90 minutes. Turk President thanked Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for expressing solidarity during coup attempt. The meeting of Chief Minister with Turk Prime Minister at Prime Minister House also lasted longer than the scheduled time and continued for two hours, Turk Prime Minister apprised the Chief Minister of incidents of coup against the democracy and reaction of the people. He also showed the places to the Chief Minister and his delegation where rebels had reached however, later, they had to return unsuccessful due to resistance of Turk people and forces. During meeting with Chief Minister, Turk Prime Minister rang up Turk Health Minister and directed him to extend all out cooperation for improving healthcare system of Punjab. Turk Prime Minister was of the view that Punjab is his second home and Shehbaz Sharif is his brother therefore, progress of Punjab is dear to him. Turk leaders during meetings with Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, paid tributes to his services for strengthening Pak-Turk friendship.
