PM Shehbaz reaches Tajikistan to boost bilateral ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Tajikistan’s capital on Thursday for a two-day official visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and participating in the International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation 2025.

He was warmly welcomed at Dushanbe airport by Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, Deputy Foreign Minister Sharifzoda Farrukh Homiddin, and senior diplomats.

During the visit, the premier is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. “During the visit, PM Shehbaz would hold bilateral meetings with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon where both countries would discuss cooperation in diverse field.”

The prime minister will also take part in the glaciers’ preservation conference. “The prime minister would also participate in the International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation 2025.”

There, he is expected to highlight Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and reaffirm the country’s commitment to preserving its glaciers. “In the conference, the PM would inform the participants about the impacts of climate change on Pakistan and the country’s unwavering commitment to combat climate change and preserve the glaciers.”

PM Shehbaz is accompanied by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi.

This visit marks the final stop of his four-nation diplomatic tour, which previously included trips to Turkiye, Iran, and Azerbaijan. “The visit was part of premier’s four-nation tour wherein Tajikistan is his last stop. The tours aimed to express his gratitude for supporting Pakistan during the recent conflict against India.”

“Furthermore, PM Shehbaz would also express gratitude to Tajik President for their overwhelming support to Pakistan in the recent four days conflict between India and Pakistan.”

The visit follows a significant escalation in tensions between Pakistan and India earlier this month. “The PM’s four-nation tour follows a military stand-off between Pakistan and India. The latest escalation began on May 7 when at least 31 civilians were martyred in unprovoked Indian strikes in different areas of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.”

Pakistan responded by shooting down six Indian fighter jets and several drones. The conflict ended on May 10 with a ceasefire. “In retaliation, Pakistan downed its six fighter jets, including three Rafale, and dozens of drones. During the four-day standoff, at least 11 troops and 40 civilians were martyred at the hands of India.”
“Both nations halted their worst fighting in nearly three decades after agreeing to a ceasefire on May 10, following four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes, which took place after India launched unprovoked attacks on Islamabad.”

Pakistan has since ramped up its diplomatic engagement to counter Indian propaganda and project its peace narrative globally. “Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic efforts to expose Indian propaganda and counter its hostile narrative at international forums.”

“Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will also lead a high-level delegation to brief world leaders, parliamentarians, and international media in various countries about Pakistan’s peace-focused stance.”