Islamabad, May 25, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has embarked on a six-day regional tour, covering Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Tajikistan, to strengthen diplomatic ties and express gratitude to key allies for their support during Pakistan’s recent standoff with India.
The premier departed Islamabad on Sunday aboard a special aircraft, accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi. The tour aims to deepen bilateral relations and address key regional and global issues.
“During the visit, the prime minister will hold wide-ranging discussions with the leadership of these countries on matters related to bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international developments,” stated a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
A central focus of the trip is to convey Pakistan’s appreciation for the diplomatic and political support extended by friendly nations during the recent escalation with India. The prime minister will also attend the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, scheduled for May 29–30.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed Ankara’s unwavering support for Islamabad, declaring that Turkey stands with Pakistan “in both good times and bad.” Azerbaijan also expressed full solidarity with the Pakistani government and people, despite India’s diplomatic pressure and boycotts. Meanwhile, Iran offered to mediate and help de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, amid the worst flare-up in decades.
According to the Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation on Saturday with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. Both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged views on the evolving regional situation, including the upcoming visit of PM Shehbaz to Baku.
The diplomatic tour comes as part of Pakistan’s wider campaign to engage friendly countries over India’s unsubstantiated accusations of Pakistani involvement in the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). At least 26 people were killed in the attack targeting tourists. India blamed Pakistan without presenting any evidence—a claim Islamabad has categorically denied.
Following the incident, India reportedly launched a series of cross-border strikes and missile attacks, prompting a brief but intense military confrontation. The conflict was defused through international intervention, with U.S. President Donald Trump stating that Washington played a key role in halting further escalation.
In a parallel diplomatic initiative, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will lead a delegation of senior parliamentarians to various global capitals to advocate Pakistan’s position on the conflict.
During a meeting with PM Shehbaz on Friday, the PPP leader expressed gratitude for being entrusted with this responsibility. “I am confident that under your leadership, this delegation will effectively communicate Pakistan’s narrative to the international community,” the prime minister stated.
