Pakistan PM embarks today on regional diplomacy tour after ceasefire with India
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to begin today, Sunday, a five-day tour of Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan to thank leadership for supporting Islamabad during this month's military conflict with India, the Pakistani foreign 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 US-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 conflict, 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.
'During the visit, 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,' Pakistan's foreign office said.
'He will also have the opportunity to express the deepest appreciation and acknowledgment for the support extended to Pakistan by the friendly countries during the recent crisis with India.'
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 Pakistani foreign 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 longer run.
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