Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on Sunday, beginning a two-day visit to Türkiye as part of a broader four-nation tour that includes Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan from May 25 to 30. This diplomatic trip aims to strengthen ties and express Pakistan’s gratitude for the unwavering support shown by these countries during recent tensions with India.
Upon arrival, PM Shehbaz was welcomed by Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler, Istanbul’s Deputy Governor Erdogan Turan Ermis, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Yousaf Junaid, Consul General Nouman Aslam, and other senior officials. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
During his stay, PM Shehbaz held a delegation-level meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other senior officials were also in attendance. The meeting was described as warm and cordial, with both leaders reaffirming the historic, brotherly ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in defence, trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
On social media, PM Shehbaz expressed his heartfelt thanks to President Erdogan and the Turkish people, stating: “Honoured to receive the sentiments of solidarity from the Turkish brothers and sisters.” He further noted that both sides reviewed progress in their multifaceted ties and committed to bolstering these “unshakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation.”
This visit also served as a gesture of gratitude for Türkiye’s support during the recent military standoff with India. President Erdogan had earlier conveyed Türkiye’s solidarity after Indian missile strikes on Pakistani territory and praised Islamabad’s calm and measured response. Türkiye condemned the Indian military actions and warned of the potential for broader conflict if hostilities persisted.
Azerbaijan also expressed strong support for Pakistan, with President Ilham Aliyev sending a letter condemning India’s actions and offering condolences to the victims’ families. The letter, delivered by Azerbaijani Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, pledged Azerbaijan’s continued support and cooperation with Pakistan. Iran, meanwhile, offered to mediate during the escalation and dispatched a delegation to Islamabad and New Delhi to foster dialogue.
In addition to strengthening bilateral ties, PM Shehbaz will attend the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on May 29–30. According to the Foreign Office, the Prime Minister will engage in wide-ranging discussions with leaders of all four countries, addressing regional and global issues of shared interest and expressing appreciation for their solidarity during the crisis.
Amid the heightened tensions, India’s military actions and subsequent international support for Pakistan have triggered backlash within India. Turkish and Azerbaijani products have faced boycotts in India, and Indian airports have terminated contracts with Turkish companies. In response, Pakistan is dispatching a high-level delegation to major world capitals, including London, Washington, Paris, and Brussels, to counter India’s narrative and highlight the destabilising impact of New Delhi’s actions in occupied Kashmir.
Earlier today, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held a phone call with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. They discussed bilateral ties, including the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project, and expressed hope for finalising the framework agreement soon.
The Prime Minister’s four-nation tour underscores Pakistan’s active diplomacy to reinforce regional partnerships and highlight its principled stance in the face of escalating tensions.
