Shahbaz Sharif's Four-Nation Tour: A Quest for Support or a Silent Admission of Defeat?

International News: The recently concluded military conflict between India and Pakistan may be engulfed in a blanket of peace for the time being, but the tension between the two countries is still simmering on the diplomatic front. The upcoming four-nation visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is seen as the next chapter in this confrontation. This tour will cover Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Tajikistan—countries that indirectly supported Pakistan during India's Operation Sindoor.

India's diplomatic edge makes Pakistan nervous

Under Operation Sindoor, India targeted terrorist hideouts across the border to send a strong message that terrorism will no longer be tolerated. After this, India intensified diplomacy to expose Pakistan at the global level. From the United Nations to bilateral forums, India presented strong evidence of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism everywhere. This increasing international pressure forced Pakistan to change its strategy.

Turkey-Azerbaijan: Old friends, new equations

Turkey and Azerbaijan are countries that often speak the language of 'brotherhood' with Pakistan. During Operation Sindoor, Turkey had provided drone technology to Pakistan, which was used to target Indian military bases. Azerbaijan condemned India's action and appealed for 'Islamic solidarity.' Shahbaz Sharif is now going to the doors of these countries to say 'thank you' and seek a guarantee of future support.

Is this visit an acceptance of Pakistan's defeat?

Some analysts are also looking at this visit as Pakistan's 'strategic defeat.' While India is directly carrying out surgical strikes on terrorist bases, Pakistan is still roaming around in search of 'sympathy' and 'support.' This visit is in a way an acceptance of Pakistan's global isolation.

India's eyes are sharp; the answer will be decisive

India is not only keeping an eye on this visit but has also activated its diplomatic channels with these four countries. New Delhi is cautious that these meetings may give impetus to the anti-India alliance again. Defense experts believe that if Pakistan gets any defense cooperation or statement issued from these countries, then India will definitely hold it accountable on international forums.

This visit is not a lifesaver for Pakistan, but an opportunity for introspection

This visit of Shahbaz Sharif looks full of confidence from outside but is equally full of confusion and insecurity from inside. Pakistan now has to decide whether it will choose the path of diplomatic isolation by giving protection to the terrorist network or return to global responsibilities.