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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed on Sunday for a six-day official visit to Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Tajikistan in what is being described as a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing escalating regional concerns—most notably the recent conflict between Pakistan and India.
The premier is being accompanied by a high-level delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi.
Strengthening Ties With Regional Allies
The Prime Minister’s first stop is Istanbul, where he is scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The leaders are expected to hold wide-ranging talks focusing on strategic cooperation, trade, energy collaboration, and joint efforts to promote peace in the region. President Erdogan has reiterated Turkey’s unwavering support for Pakistan, expressing commitment to stand by Islamabad in times of crisis.
According to a statement from the PM Office Media Wing, the visit will provide a platform for “extensive discussions on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and matters of regional and international importance.”
Focus on Regional Conflict and Indian Aggression
A key issue dominating this diplomatic initiative is the recent military escalation between Pakistan and India. The hostilities were triggered by the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 tourists lost their lives. India quickly blamed Pakistan for the incident without presenting concrete evidence, an accusation that Pakistan categorically denied.
In retaliation, India launched cross-border skirmishes and limited missile strikes, pushing both nuclear-armed nations to the brink of war. Although the situation de-escalated following mediation from the United States, tensions remain high.
PM Shehbaz is expected to use his meetings with leaders of these four countries to express appreciation for their diplomatic and moral support during the crisis, and to garner continued solidarity in countering what Pakistan terms as India’s baseless aggression.
Azerbaijan, Iran Show Strong Support
The visit to Azerbaijan follows a recent phone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties and discussed Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit in detail.
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Azerbaijan has openly declared its strong solidarity with Pakistan, despite facing Indian boycotts. Similarly, Iran has offered to mediate between Pakistan and India to help defuse tensions. Tehran’s role as a regional actor with historical ties to both countries positions it uniquely for such a peacekeeping initiative.
These diplomatic engagements underscore Islamabad’s efforts to present its narrative to the world and ensure that Pakistan’s position is not misrepresented amid rising geopolitical uncertainty in South Asia.
International Conference on Glaciers in Tajikistan
The Prime Minister’s visit will conclude in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where he will attend the International Conference on Glaciers on May 29-30. The conference is focused on climate change, melting glaciers, and their impact on regional water resources—an issue of growing concern for Pakistan and Central Asian states.
This summit offers an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its environmental policy efforts and participate in multilateral discussions on sustainable development and climate resilience.
Bilawal Bhutto to Lead Parallel Diplomatic Campaign
In addition to the Prime Minister’s tour, the government has launched a parallel diplomatic initiative led by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Bilawal will head a high-level parliamentary delegation to various global capitals to further advocate Pakistan’s stance in the aftermath of the recent conflict with India.
At a meeting on Friday, PM Shehbaz expressed full confidence in Bilawal’s diplomatic abilities, stating, “I hope that under your leadership, this delegation will present Pakistan’s position and narrative to the world in a comprehensive and effective manner.”
This dual-pronged approach signifies Pakistan’s broader diplomatic push to counter India’s narrative internationally and consolidate support among strategic allies.
