Belarusian Foreign Minister Leads High-Level Delegation to Pakistan Amid PTI Protests

A delegation from Belarus, led by Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzinkov, reached Islamabad on Sunday. This visit precedes President Alexander Lukashenko's official trip to Pakistan. The group, which includes eight ministers and 43 business leaders, was welcomed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Their arrival coincided with protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

President Lukashenko is set to arrive in Islamabad on Monday. He plans to engage in discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the chief of Army staff. During this visit, significant agreements are anticipated to be signed to enhance bilateral relations between Belarus and Pakistan, according to an official source.

Protests Amid High-Level Visit

Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned, called for nationwide protests on November 24. He described the situation as a "stolen mandate" and criticised the arrests and the passage of the 26th amendment. This amendment, he claims, has bolstered a "dictatorial regime." Despite requests from the government to delay protests due to the Belarusian visit, Khan's supporters have continued their demonstrations.

The protest convoy initiated its journey from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa but remains distant from Islamabad. It is expected to reach the capital on Monday after pausing overnight. The federal government has implemented several measures to curb the protest's impact, including deploying security forces and sealing key roads.

Security Measures in Place

Authorities have taken extensive steps to manage the protests in Islamabad. Heavy security forces have been deployed, and barriers have been set up around the capital. Additionally, police have detained over 350 protesters from various parts of Islamabad, as reported by official sources.

The situation remains tense as both the high-level visit and ongoing protests unfold simultaneously. The government's actions aim to maintain order during this critical period while ensuring that diplomatic engagements proceed smoothly.