ISLAMABAD,Pakistan

Pakistan on Thursday said it recognizes Turkey’s legitimate security concerns, as latter launched an anti-terror operation in northern Syria on Wednesday.

"We recognize Turkey’s legitimate security concerns in the region. Like Pakistan, Turkey has also been a victim of terrorism," Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, said in weekly media briefing.

On Wednesday, Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring east of the Euphrates River in northern Syria to secure its borders by eliminating terrorist elements and to ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees as well as Syria’s territorial integrity.

Faisal said Islamabad appreciate Turkey’s positive role in finding a viable political solution to the conflict in Syria.

“Pakistan also acknowledge Turkey’s humanitarian efforts by graciously hosting over 3.5 million Syrian refugees,” he added.

The spokesman said Pakistan continues to support the territorial integrity of Syria and hope that a political solution to the Syrian conflict will be reached at the earliest.