Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif kicked off his four-nation tour with a two-day visit to Turkiye. The trip comes amid recent tensions with India and aims to reinforce strategic partnerships with regional allies.
Warm Welcome in Istanbul
On arrival in Istanbul on May 25, PM Shehbaz was received by Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and other high-ranking officials. The Prime Ministerās Office confirmed that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host PM Shehbaz for a meeting today. They will discuss strengthening ties in defence, trade, tourism, and culture.
Diplomatic Gratitude
The primary goal of the visit is to express Pakistanās appreciation for Turkiyeās support during the recent India-Pakistan military standoff. Erdogan had publicly backed Pakistanās call for restraint and peace. PM Shehbaz is joined by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
Read:Ā Pakistan, Uzbekistan Push to Finalize Strategic Railway Project
Four Countries, One Message
After Turkiye, PM Shehbaz will visit Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan from May 25 to 30. These nations voiced strong diplomatic support for Pakistan during the crisis with India. In Tajikistan, he will attend the International Conference on Glaciers on May 29-30 in Dushanbe.
Wider Diplomatic Strategy
The Prime Ministerās visits aim to discuss regional cooperation, mutual security, and international issues. Turkiye and Pakistan will also review agreements under their High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
Indiaās Reaction and Fallout
India reacted angrily to Turkiye and Azerbaijanās backing of Pakistan. The fallout included boycotts of Turkish goods in India and cancellations of travel plans. Major Indian airports also cut ties with Turkish service providers. The backlash underlines rising diplomatic stakes in South Asia.
Global Engagements Continue
Simultaneously, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Uzbek counterpart about the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project. A separate Pakistani delegation will soon visit major global capitals to counter Indian narratives about the Kashmir conflict and promote Pakistanās stance on regional peace.
Pakistanās diplomatic offensive highlights its broader aim: to secure allies and support amid growing regional uncertainty.
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