ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday embarked on a five-day tour of Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan to thank their leadership for supporting Islamabad during this month’s military conflict with India, Sharif’s office said.
Pakistan and India this month traded missile, drone and artillery strikes for days, killing around 70 people on both sides, before agreeing to a United States-brokered ceasefire on May 10. The conflict, the worst between the neighbors in decades, was triggered by an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22 that New Delhi blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad denies complicity.
During the standoff, several friendly nations supported Pakistan’s demand for a credible, international probe into the attack as they urged the nuclear-armed archfoes to exercise restraint and avoid miscalculation of the other’s military capabilities.
On Sunday, Sharif left for Turkiye on the first leg of his four-nation tour, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
“During the tour, the prime minister will have wide-ranging discussions with the leaders of these countries on an entire range of issues covering bilateral relations and matters of regional and international importance,” Sharif’s office said.
“He will thank friendly countries for the support they have given to Pakistan during the recent crisis with India.”
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will hold talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul on Sunday, Erdogan’s head of communications said.
“During the meeting, bilateral relations, regional and international issues, including the fight against terrorism, will be discussed,” Fahrettin Altun said on X.
Bitter rivals India and Pakistan have fought three wars, including two over the disputed region of Kashmir, since gaining independence from British rule in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety but rule it in part. The conflict had raised fears that it could spiral into a full-blown war.
Both countries have separately announced sending delegations to key capitals and friendly countries to present their stance on this month’s standoff before the world, in a bid to gain world support.
During his visit aimed at furthering Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, Sharif will also attend an International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on May 29-30, according to the Sharif’s office.
The conference aims to advance global efforts in climate adaptation and resilience, with a specific focus on addressing glacial melting.
Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change, facing numerous impacts like rising temperatures and increased frequency of extreme weather events.
Officials say unusually high temperatures in Pakistan’s northern areas have resulted in rapid melting of glaciers, warning that the prolonged phenomenon could lead to water shortages and threaten lives in the long run.
