Belarusian Delegation Arrives in Islamabad for State Visit

On a significant note, a 68-member ministerial delegation from Belarus has landed in Islamabad, marking the beginning of a formal state visit by President Aleksandr Lukashenko. This visit is particularly important as it follows an agreement made in September between Pakistan and Belarus to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing a trade roadmap for the years 2025 to 2027. The delegation, led by Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, arrived just before President Lukashenko's scheduled visit, which is set to take place from November 25 to 27.

The Foreign Office (FO) has confirmed that the delegation was warmly welcomed by key Pakistani officials, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Additional Foreign Secretary Europe Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan. The presence of Pakistan’s Ambassador to Belarus, Sajjad Haider Khan, further emphasizes the importance of this visit. According to a press release from the FO, President Lukashenko is expected to engage in extensive discussions with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation and engagement.

During this visit, several agreements and MoUs are anticipated to be signed, which could pave the way for stronger ties between the two nations. The high-level delegation comprises Belarus’s ministers for energy, justice, transport, natural resources, and emergency situations, along with the chairman of the Military Industry Committee and 43 prominent business figures. This diverse representation highlights the multifaceted nature of the discussions that are likely to take place.

In a meeting with Foreign Minister Ryzhenkov, Interior Minister Naqvi emphasized the significance of President Lukashenko’s visit in fortifying the relationship between Pakistan and Belarus. He expressed that Pakistan values its relations with Belarus and is keen on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including industry and trade. This visit is seen as a crucial step towards promoting mutual interests and fostering economic growth.

However, the arrival of the Belarusian delegation coincides with a tense atmosphere in Islamabad, as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party prepares for a major protest in the capital. This protest is occurring despite a court ruling that deemed it unlawful, prompting the Islamabad High Court to direct the federal government to ensure law and order is maintained. Interior Minister Naqvi has assured that the safety of foreign dignitaries is a top priority, stating that measures have been put in place to protect the delegation from any disruptions caused by the protest.

Naqvi has made it clear that while the PTI has the right to protest, doing so during a foreign delegation's visit is not advisable. He remarked, "Nobody is stopping them from protesting, but coming to Islamabad and protesting when a foreign delegation is visiting ... during such an important time for the country ... the public can reach the conclusion that this is a terrible idea." This statement underscores the delicate balance between political expression and the need for diplomatic decorum.

The visit of the Belarusian delegation to Pakistan is a pivotal moment for both countries, offering a platform for enhanced cooperation and dialogue. As the two nations look to strengthen their ties, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize diplomatic relations and ensure that the visit proceeds smoothly, free from any disruptions. The outcome of this visit could very well shape the future of Pakistan-Belarus relations, making it a significant event to watch in the coming days.