Lahore, May 25 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visits Turkiye: He departed from Lahore on Sunday afternoon, launching a crucial four-nation regional tour designed to deepen Pakistan’s ties with friendly states. The Foreign Office confirmed that the premier will visit Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan between May 25 and 30. This diplomatic effort follows strong support from these nations during Pakistan’s recent military standoff with India.
Accompanying the prime minister are Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, according to Radio Pakistan.
High-Level Meetings to Strengthen Strategic Cooperation
Later today, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet PM Shehbaz in Istanbul, as confirmed by Erdogan’s head of communications. They will discuss a wide spectrum of topics, including bilateral ties, counterterrorism efforts, and regional developments. The meeting will also revisit progress made during their last High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council session held in February.
According to the Foreign Office, PM Shehbaz will hold wide-ranging talks with the leaders of each visited nation. These dialogues aim to enhance cooperation on security, trade, and regional stability. The tour also presents an opportunity for the prime minister to express Pakistan’s gratitude for diplomatic backing amid the India-Pakistan crisis.
Regional Support and Backlash
Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Iran extended solid support to Pakistan during the May 6 escalation with India. Erdogan had lauded Pakistan’s composed approach, while Azerbaijan’s President Aliyev congratulated Pakistan on its “remarkable success.” Iran played a mediating role by visiting both Islamabad and New Delhi to diffuse tensions—an effort acknowledged by Pakistani leadership.
Meanwhile, India responded sharply. Many Indian tourists canceled trips to Turkiye and Azerbaijan, and major airports in Mumbai and Ahmedabad terminated contracts with Istanbul-based Çelebi. Retailers and grocery chains across India began boycotting Turkish goods.
Broad Diplomatic Engagement on Multiple Fronts
While PM Shehbaz visits Tajikistan, he will attend the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe on May 29–30. In parallel diplomatic developments, Ishaq Dar spoke with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister about regional cooperation and the UAP Railway Line Project. They expressed optimism about finalizing the framework agreement soon.
Additionally, a senior delegation will travel to London, Washington, Paris, and Brussels to counter India’s global disinformation campaign, particularly in the wake of violence in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
With multiple diplomatic moves unfolding, Pakistan intensifies outreach to secure regional partnerships and counter adversarial narratives. Shehbaz visits Turkiye sets the tone for a broader push for strategic alliances.
