Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched a critical multi-nation diplomatic tour to Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan, aiming to strengthen regional ties, expand cooperation, and express gratitude for allied support following a tense standoff with India.
The visit, running from May 26 to May 30, includes high-level meetings focused on bilateral relations and shared regional and international concerns. It follows rising India-Pakistan tensions after a deadly April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which India attributed to Pakistan without substantiating its claims — a charge Islamabad vehemently denies.
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Officials say the tour serves both to counter India’s narrative and to reinforce alliances. In each stop, Prime Minister Shehbaz is expected to thank host nations for their diplomatic support and underscore Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability, and mutual development in the region.
Key issues on the agenda include regional security, trade, climate change, and counter-terrorism. The tour will culminate in Dushanbe, where the prime minister will attend an international conference on glacier preservation — a topic of increasing concern for Pakistan amid its climate vulnerabilities.
With regional dynamics shifting and global attention focused on South Asia’s security and environmental future, this diplomatic mission is seen as pivotal in shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy narrative and strategic partnerships.
