Pakistan Hails PKK Dissolution as Step Towards Peace in Turkiye

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Monday that Pakistan appreciates the declaration of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) disbanding, viewing it as a noteworthy stride towards enduring peace and a Turkiye free from terrorism.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister conveyed that this landmark event demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Turkish leadership, under the guidance of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, along with the Turkish people, as they continue their progress towards reconciliation, unity, and stability.

He further added that Pakistan and Turkiye are jointly dedicated to eradicating terrorism in all its manifestations.

The PKK had previously communicated its dissolution and the cessation of its armed conflict against the Turkish state, which spanned over four decades.

According to a statement released following their congress last week, the 12th PKK Congress resolved to dismantle the organization’s structure and terminate its armed struggle approach.

The decision by the PKK to dissolve follows a request from its founder, Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999. Ocalan had encouraged his fighters to disarm and demobilize.

Ocalan had conveyed in a letter that the PKK should convene a congress to formalize the decision.

Subsequently, the PKK’s leadership acknowledged Ocalan’s appeal and announced a ceasefire.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan alluded to the imminent possibility of a dissolution announcement in a speech given on Saturday, affirming his government’s resolve to rid the nation of the menace of terrorism.

He declared, “We are moving confidently towards realizing our objective of a Turkey free from terror.”

The PKK, which is considered a terrorist entity by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has been engaged in insurgency since 1984.

Initially, the group aimed to create a separate homeland for Kurds, who constitute approximately 20% of Turkiye’s population of 85 million.

Various attempts have been undertaken since Ocalan’s imprisonment to put an end to the conflict, which has resulted in over 40,000 casualties.