ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday ordered the government to declare the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) a terror group.
A bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, also ordered to hand over FETÖ’s “all the movable and immovable assets”, schools, colleges, education centers and other similar entities to Turkiye Maarif Foundation.
“We are in no manner of doubt the government of Pakistan has international obligations towards the government of Turkey to declare Fethullah’s Terrorist Organisation (FETO) as a terrorist organisation”, says the verdict authored by Justice Ijazul Ahsan.
The Supreme Court’s verdict also directed police and other law enforcement agencies to extend full support to Turkiye Maarif Foundation in taking control of the education institutions.
Currently 28 schools are running under the FETÖ-linked organization in Pakistan.
The court decision and order to make the appropriate changes to the counter-terrorism doctrine are sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Anakara, which accuses FETÖ of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, said it welcomes the Pakistani court’s order.
“The decision should be a precedent for all other countries,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
“Turkey will continue to increase cooperation with Pakistan in all areas,” it added.
Sohail Sajid, the petitioner who moved the top court against FETÖ, hailed the Friday’s verdict, saying it will further strengthen ties between Pakistan and Turkey.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/turkey-coup-42-killed-scores-injured-during-clashes-in-ankara/
FETÖ and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.
