PM Shehbaz starts four-country tour to boost ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has started an important diplomatic trip to four regional countries — Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan.

This tour aims to strengthen Pakistan’s ties with these nations, improve regional cooperation, and thank them for their support during the recent tensions with India.

The tour begins today (Sunday) and will continue until May 30.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz will have “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.”

Background of the Visit

This tour comes after serious tensions between Pakistan and India, which began when a deadly attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), killed 26 people on April 22. India blamed Pakistan, but Pakistan strongly denied the accusations, saying India provided no solid evidence.

Tensions grew with minor cross-border attacks and missile strikes. However, things calmed down after what US President Donald Trump called “urgent intervention” by the U.S.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Push

Pakistan is now making strong diplomatic efforts to explain its side to the world and respond to India’s “unfounded allegations.” PM Shehbaz’s tour is an important part of this campaign.

Showing Gratitude

During his meetings, the Prime Minister will thank these countries for standing with Pakistan during the crisis. The government said the support from “brotherly nations” shows the strength of regional friendships.

“The Prime Minister will convey Pakistan’s deep gratitude for the support extended during the recent aggression from India,” said the Foreign Office.

Alongside this, a senior delegation led by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is also helping in this effort. He met PM Shehbaz on Friday and will be visiting other global capitals to share Pakistan’s perspective.

“I hope that under your leadership, this delegation will present Pakistan’s position and narrative to the world in a comprehensive and effective manner,” PM Shehbaz told Bilawal.

Key Topics of Discussion

Besides regional peace, PM Shehbaz will also talk about boosting trade, working together on climate change, fighting terrorism, and other global issues.

Before visiting Azerbaijan, Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov. They discussed the “full spectrum of bilateral relations” and current regional matters.

The final stop is Tajikistan, where PM Shehbaz will attend the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe on May 29–30. The event will focus on climate change and melting glaciers — issues that are serious for Pakistan and the whole region.

Regional Importance

Experts say this visit is happening at a very important time. The recent standoff with India has added to the tension in South Asia. Also, changing regional politics — like Iran’s growing interest in South Asia and Azerbaijan’s rising influence — make this tour even more significant.

Pakistan wants to strengthen its partnerships, balance regional pressures, and show the world its side of the story.

Though no formal agreements have been announced yet, security, energy cooperation, and trade routes will be key topics during the discussions.

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