Turkey calls upon Pak, other friendly nations to shut Gulen-run institutions

Turkey has called upon all friendly countries, including Pakistan, to close down institutions run by Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of masterminding and backing the failed coup attempt in the country.

"We have called on all friendly countries to prevent activities of this (Gulen's) group," Turkish Ambassador Sadik Babur Girgin said at a media briefing. He said the Turkish Government had solid evidence that Gulen's movement was behind the plot, reports the Dawn.

In Pakistan, Gulen runs a network of about 21 schools and Rumi Forum, an intellectual and intercultural dialogue platform, in addition to having business stakes. His organisations and businesses have been operating in Pakistan for decades. Noting that Gulen had "big presence in Pakistan", Girgin said Turkey was in close contact with the Pakistani authorities.