On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul, marking the start of a significant two-day official visit to Türkiye as part of a broader four-nation diplomatic tour. The visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with key regional allies amid recent geopolitical challenges.
Upon landing in Istanbul, the Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by Türkiye’s Minister of Defence Yashar Guler, Istanbul Deputy Governor Erdogan Turan Ermis, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Yousaf Junaid, Consul General Nouman Aslam, and a delegation of senior Turkish and Pakistani officials. Accompanying the Prime Minister are Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The centerpiece of the visit is a series of high-level discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The talks are expected to focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in critical areas such as defense, trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Additionally, the visit provides an opportunity for Pakistan to express gratitude for Türkiye’s steadfast support during recent tensions with India, particularly following the April 22 incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which escalated regional tensions.
Regional Solidarity Amid Tensions
Türkiye has been a vocal supporter of Pakistan during the recent crisis. In a recent phone call, President Erdogan commended Pakistan’s restrained response to India’s actions and endorsed Islamabad’s call for an impartial investigation into the IIOJK incident, which claimed 26 lives. Türkiye has consistently advocated for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions to prevent further conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Similarly, Azerbaijan has extended its unwavering support to Pakistan. In a formal letter delivered by Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, the Azerbaijani government condemned India’s military actions, expressed solidarity with Pakistan, and called for peaceful resolution through dialogue. Azerbaijan also offered condolences for those affected by the crisis and reaffirmed its commitment to deepening ties with Pakistan.
A Packed Diplomatic Itinerary
From May 25 to 30, Prime Minister Shehbaz’s tour will take him to Türkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan. In each country, he is expected to engage in comprehensive discussions on bilateral relations, regional stability, and shared global concerns. A key highlight of the tour will be his participation in the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on May 29–30, where he will address pressing environmental challenges alongside regional leaders.
The Prime Minister’s visit aims to reinforce Pakistan’s diplomatic partnerships and express appreciation for the solidarity shown by these nations during recent challenges. The tour reflects Pakistan’s proactive approach to fostering regional cooperation and addressing mutual concerns, from security to environmental sustainability.
