Istanbul: Pakistani Army Field Marshal Munir Meets Turkish President Erdogan with PM Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistan’s military commander General Asim Munir joined Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Sunday, May 25. The encounter took place as part of Sharif’s diplomatic engagements in the Turkish city.

The high-level meeting occurred following Turkey’s recent backing of Pakistan amid escalated military confrontations with India. These tensions arose after India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist incident, where Pakistan-linked militants killed 26 civilians.

Sharif, traveling with Munir, is conducting a diplomatic mission across four nations he describes as supportive allies, seeking to acknowledge their assistance during the latest regional crisis.

The presence of Pakistan’s top military official alongside the civilian leader during international diplomacy represents an uncommon protocol for state visits. This arrangement highlights the significant influence Pakistan’s armed forces wield over the nation’s diplomatic strategy and domestic affairs. Analysts frequently describe Rawalpindi, where Pakistan’s military headquarters operates, as the country’s shadow government.

Sharif’s delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and General Munir. After Turkey, the Prime Minister plans to continue his regional tour with stops in Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan through May 30, as announced by the Foreign Office.