PM arrives in Istanbul on regional tour

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul, Turkiye, on Sunday, marking the start of his four-nation regional tour. The visit aims to thank friendly countries for their support during the recent Pakistan-India conflict.

The Prime Minister was warmly received by Turkish National Defence Minister Yasar Guler at the airport. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.

According to the PM Office, the visit will include wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relations, regional issues, and international matters. PM Shehbaz will also attend the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from May 29 to 30.

The tour follows tensions between Pakistan and India after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed. India blamed Pakistan without evidence, leading to cross-border strikes. The conflict de-escalated after U.S. intervention, according to President Donald Trump.

Countries including Turkiye, Iran, and Azerbaijan supported Pakistan. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed his full backing for Pakistan. Azerbaijan showed strong solidarity, while Iran offered to mediate.

Deputy PM Ishaq Dar also spoke with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to review bilateral ties and discuss the upcoming visit.

Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will lead a parliamentary delegation to key global capitals to present Pakistan’s stance on the conflict. PM Shehbaz thanked Bilawal for taking on this diplomatic mission.