PM Shehbaz Begins Four-Nation Tour Amid Indo-Pak Tensions
News Desk
Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has embarked on a significant four-nation diplomatic tour, visiting Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan, as part of Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen regional ties and rally support following a recent escalation in tensions with India.
The tour, which began on Sunday and will continue through May 30, seeks to consolidate bilateral relations, expand regional cooperation, and express gratitude to allies who stood by Pakistan during the recent standoff with New Delhi.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz will engage in “wide-ranging discussions with the leadership of these countries on an entire range of issues covering bilateral relations and matters of regional and international importance.”
Backdrop of Escalating Tensions
The high-level visits follow heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours after a deadly April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The incident claimed at least 26 lives.
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack—an allegation Islamabad categorically denied, citing lack of evidence and condemning New Delhi’s accusations as baseless.
The diplomatic row led to a series of cross-border skirmishes and missile strikes, before both sides stepped back from the brink amid what US President Donald Trump described as “urgent intervention” by Washington.
In response, Islamabad has launched a diplomatic outreach campaign to counter India’s claims and assert its narrative internationally. PM Shehbaz’s regional tour is seen as a pivotal part of this effort.
Expressing Solidarity and Gratitude
In each of the countries he visits, Prime Minister Shehbaz is expected to express Pakistan’s appreciation for their solidarity during the recent crisis.
“The Prime Minister will convey Pakistan’s deep gratitude for the support extended during the recent aggression from India,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.
Supporting the prime minister’s diplomatic initiative, a high-level delegation led by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with PM Shehbaz on Friday. Bilawal is scheduled to lead separate visits to global capitals to present Pakistan’s case on international forums.
“I hope that under your leadership, this delegation will present Pakistan’s position and narrative to the world in a comprehensive and effective manner,” Prime Minister Shehbaz told Bilawal during their meeting.
Key Agenda Items
Beyond regional security, the prime minister’s discussions will focus on enhancing economic cooperation, expanding trade, and addressing shared global challenges such as climate change and transnational terrorism.
In Azerbaijan, the visit is preceded by a telephonic exchange between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov. The two discussed the “full spectrum of bilateral relations” and regional developments ahead of Shehbaz’s arrival.
The tour will conclude in Tajikistan, where PM Shehbaz will participate in the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe on May 29–30. The event is expected to highlight the urgent issues of glacier melt, climate change, and regional environmental sustainability—topics of growing concern for South and Central Asian nations.
Following last year’s devastating floods, Pakistan has increasingly sought a stronger voice in the global climate dialogue.
Rising Regional Stakes
Experts say the tour comes at a critical juncture for South Asian diplomacy. The fallout from the recent standoff with India, combined with shifting geopolitical dynamics—such as Iran’s expanding ties in the region and Azerbaijan’s rising influence—has made regional engagement more essential than ever.
By strengthening ties with key regional allies, Islamabad aims to both reinforce its stance on the Kashmir issue and forge strategic partnerships to promote long-term stability and development.
While no bilateral agreements have been announced in advance, discussions on security cooperation, energy connectivity, and new trade routes are expected to dominate the agenda.
