Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday condemned a botched coup bid by Turkish army and expressed Pakistan's 'abiding interest' in a democratic, peaceful and stable Turkey.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday condemned a botched coup bid by Turkish army and expressed Pakistan's 'abiding interest' in a democratic, peaceful and

stable Turkey.

"I strongly condemn the attempt to undermine democracy by a failed coup in the brotherly country of Turkey. We deeply admire the resolve of the brave and resilient Turkish people, who stood up against the forces of darkness and anarchy to express their support and commitment to democracy," he said in a statement.

Sharif expressed complete support and solidarity with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the democratically-elected government of Turkey, and the democratic institutions of the country.

He said Pakistan reaffirms its 'abiding interest' in a democratic, peaceful and stable Turkey.

"We wish to convey our prayers and good wishes for President Erdogan's well-being and welfare of the people of Turkey as well as the unity of the Islamic Ummah (community). We highly value our strong and historic ties with Turkey," he said.

Pakistan deeply appreciates President Erdogan's steadfast support as also the support of the people of Turkey to Pakistan on all occasions, whenever the need arose, Sharif said.

"I wish to reaffirm full support of the government and people of Pakistan to the elected leadership and government and the people of Turkey," he said.

Separately, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said Pakistan stands by the people and the government of Turkey.

"We support the will of the people reflected in the democratic system and the democratically elected leadership of Turkey," he said.

Pakistan condemns the attempt to undermine democracy and rule of law in Turkey, he said, adding Pakistan hopes peace and normalcy will be restored in Turkey.

Earlier, Tariq Fatemi, Special assistant to the Prime Minister, called the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to express support. The latter thanked the government and the people of Pakistan for showing resolve to stand by democracy in Turkey, saying "this is what we expected from a brother country", according to the FO.