Turkey Calls for Calm Amid Rising Pakistan-India Tensions

Turkey Urges Calm as Pakistan-India Tensions Rise — Reports Emerge of Turkish Military Flight to Karachi

As tensions simmer dangerously between Pakistan and India following renewed violence in Kashmir, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stepped forward Monday with a strong appeal for calm, urging both nations to exercise restraint and return to dialogue.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdoğan emphasized Turkey’s commitment to regional peace and stability. “We urge both sides to refrain from further escalation and seek diplomatic solutions. South Asia deserves peace, not conflict,” Erdoğan said, signaling Turkey’s willingness to assist in mediation efforts if requested.

The backdrop to his statement is troubling: a deadly attack targeting tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir has reignited hostilities, leading to an exchange of fire across the heavily militarized Line of Control. The risk of escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbors has once again drawn international concern.

New Twist: Turkish Aircraft Reportedly Lands in Karachi

Adding a fresh layer of intrigue to an already tense situation, multiple open-source intelligence (OSINT) trackers reported that a Turkish C-130E Hercules military transport aircraft was seen flying over the Arabian Sea and landed in Karachi on April 28.

Flight-tracking data circulating widely on social media shows the aircraft’s path — sparking speculation that it might have delivered military supplies to Pakistan.

However, as of now, neither Turkish nor Pakistani officials have publicly confirmed the nature of the flight. The reports remain unverified, and it’s unclear whether the aircraft’s visit was related to humanitarian support, military logistics, or routine operations. Nevertheless, the timing has fueled rumors and raised eyebrows across diplomatic circles.

Turkey’s Growing Role in South Asia?

Turkey has increasingly positioned itself as an active player in South Asian affairs, particularly on the sensitive Kashmir issue. Earlier this year, during a state visit to Islamabad, President Erdoğan reiterated Ankara’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute, aligned with United Nations resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

While Turkey maintains strong ties with Pakistan, it has often walked a diplomatic tightrope, balancing its relationships without directly antagonizing India — a growing partner in trade and investment.

As tensions unfold, many in the international community are watching closely to see whether Erdoğan’s diplomatic outreach will help de-escalate one of the world’s most dangerous flashpoints — or whether new complications, such as the rumored military support, could inflame matters further.