Turkey model can solve Pakistan crisis: Khan

ISLAMABAD - Anatolia News Agency

Imran Khan, the cricket star turned politician, (R) is seen in this file photo.

Imran Khan, a popular politician in Pakistan, has said he believes that the only way to step out from the current situation in Pakistan is to perform the “Turkey model.”

Khan, Pakistani Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) chairman, told Anatolia news agency in Islamabad that his inspiration was Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and saving Pakistan from its current situation through the “Turkey model.” Khan met with Turkish President Abdullah Gül and Erdoğan in early April this year in Istanbul. Khan said, “Gül and Erdoğan are actually the best leaders in the Islamic world. They are democratic and foresighted. They have changed Turkey’s image in the world.” He wants to make reforms similar to those in Turkey, if elected, he added. Recalling that Turkey used to have problems similar to those that Pakistan is experiencing today, Khan said he aimed to deal with these problems. He said the Pakistani people want change. Khan said the main problem in Pakistan is that the governance system does not work properly and the “government becomes functionless,” and this system is replaced by corruption and bribery. Once elected, he wanted to improve the system just like Turkey did and attract foreign investors to the country. Khan also said they should end the terrorism. Most Pakistanis are not fundamentalist, and they are against terrorism, Khan said.