The Foreign Office (FO) announced that a 68-member ministerial delegation from Belarus arrived in Islamabad on Sunday evening, anticipating President Aleksandr Lukashenko’s formal state visit.
This visit follows a September agreement between Pakistan and Belarus to draft a trade roadmap for 2025-2027.
The FO reported today on X that the delegation, led by Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, arrived just before President Lukashenko’s expected visit.
The welcoming party included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Additional Foreign Secretary for Europe Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Belarus, Sajjad Haider Khan The visit will include the signing of multiple agreements and MoUs.
The high-level delegation comprises Belarusian ministers for energy, justice, transport, natural resources, and emergencies, alongside the chairman of the Military Industry Committee and 43 notable business figures, as reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
During a meeting, Minister Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Belarus and its intention to boost cooperation across various sectors. He pointed out that the visit is set to enhance collaborative efforts in industry, trade, and other areas.
Amid this, Islamabad faces tension as the PTI organizes a significant demonstration in the capital despite a court order and the government’s caution.
With heightened security measures, Minister Naqvi has pledged to safeguard Islamabad as PTI supporters converge on the capital.
Read: Interior Minister Naqvi Denies Rally Permission to Barrister Gohar Amidst Security Concerns
Naqvi affirmed the government’s focus on protecting foreign dignitaries and mentioned the strategic deployment of the Frontier Constabulary, Rangers, and police forces from Islamabad and Punjab.
“While the PTI has the right to protest, doing so during such a pivotal moment is ill-advised,” Naqvi stated, emphasizing the potential implications of the protest on public perception.
