Belarus President Snubs Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Kashmir Rant, “I’m Here for Trade, Not Politics”

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko’s recent three-day visit to Pakistan began with a diplomatic embarrassment for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During their meeting in Islamabad on Monday, Sharif attempted to raise the Kashmir issue, expecting support from the visiting leader. However, Lukashenko swiftly shut down the conversation, making it clear he was there only to discuss trade and bilateral cooperation.

 

 

Reports from Pakistan reveal that Sharif tried to paint Belarus as a “special friend” and sought an anti-India statement from Lukashenko on Kashmir. To Sharif’s dismay, the Belarusian leader refused to be dragged into Pakistan’s propaganda, stating, “Leave Kashmir aside, I have come here only to talk about business and bilateral cooperation.”

 

 

The response reportedly left Sharif visibly uncomfortable, as the exchange highlighted Pakistan’s desperation to seek international validation for its Kashmir rhetoric. In an unusual move breaking diplomatic protocol, Sharif personally welcomed Lukashenko at the airport, likely hoping to forge a closer rapport. However, his attempt to exploit the visit for political gains backfired spectacularly.

 

 

Pakistan has a long history of using international platforms to push its baseless Kashmir narrative, but Lukashenko’s firm stance highlights the growing global rejection of Islamabad’s rhetoric.