PM Shehbaz Breaks Record with 1 Foreign Visit Every Month

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set a new milestone in Pakistan’s diplomatic history, completing 34 foreign visits over the past 18 months — effectively one international trip every month. This achievement, described by officials as an “unprecedented record in modern Pakistan diplomacy,” reflects the premier’s commitment to reviving international partnerships and attracting foreign investment amid challenging economic conditions.

According to official data, these Shehbaz Sharif overseas trips took place between March 2024 and October 2025, covering major destinations including Saudi Arabia, China, the United States, and Egypt. Each visit, officials say, had a clear objective — strengthening diplomatic ties, boosting trade, and securing international cooperation for Pakistan’s long-term stability.

Strategic Diplomacy Amid Economic Challenges

As Pakistan grapples with high inflation, currency pressure, and regional instability, PM Shehbaz’s foreign visits have become a cornerstone of his government’s economic and foreign policy strategy.

Insiders from the Prime Minister’s Office describe these international tours as a deliberate attempt to reposition Pakistan on the global stage after years of strained relations and reduced diplomatic engagement. The visits have been aimed at restoring confidence among investors and allies while rebuilding the country’s image as a reliable regional partner.

Shehbaz Sharif’s team maintains that this active global outreach has already started bearing fruit, citing investment commitments from Gulf nations, development financing from China, and renewed diplomatic cooperation with the United States and European Union.

Saudi Arabia Tops the List of Visits

Among all destinations, Saudi Arabia stands out as the most frequently visited country by the prime minister. Analysts say this emphasis underscores Pakistan’s deep and enduring strategic relationship with Riyadh — one rooted in economic partnership, labor cooperation, and defense collaboration.

During his multiple visits, the prime minister held meetings with Saudi leadership to discuss energy investments, bilateral trade, and support for Pakistan’s economic revival. These engagements have reportedly paved the way for new multi-billion-dollar investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial development.

Officials also highlighted that Shehbaz Sharif’s diplomacy has strengthened Pakistan’s standing within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and regional economic alliances.

Building Global Partnerships

Beyond the Gulf, Shehbaz Sharif’s overseas trips have focused on expanding Pakistan’s global partnerships. His visits to China reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with both sides agreeing to fast-track delayed projects and introduce new investment opportunities in technology, transport, and manufacturing.

In the United States, the prime minister met with top officials and business leaders to promote Pakistan’s export potential and IT sector growth. Similarly, his trip to Egypt centered on regional cooperation, climate diplomacy, and food security — issues increasingly relevant to Pakistan’s domestic policy agenda.

Government aides argue that these engagements are not just symbolic; they are part of a calculated strategy to strengthen Pakistan diplomacy 2025, focusing on economic diversification and global re-engagement.

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Opposition Calls It “Luxury Diplomacy”

Despite the government’s positive framing, opposition leaders have been highly critical of PM Shehbaz’s travel record, calling it “excessive” and “misaligned with national priorities.” They argue that while millions of Pakistanis struggle with inflation and unemployment, the prime minister’s international tours have done little to improve conditions on the ground.

Some lawmakers have dubbed these frequent PM visits abroad as “luxury diplomacy,” alleging that the cost of maintaining high-level delegations during international trips places a burden on the national exchequer.

Comparatively, President Asif Ali Zardari has made only three official foreign visits in the same 18-month period, a contrast that critics use to question the government’s sense of priority.

Government Defends the Travel Record

Officials within the Prime Minister’s Office strongly reject the criticism, emphasizing that Shehbaz Sharif’s international outreach is essential for Pakistan’s long-term interests. They argue that global engagement is not a luxury but a necessity in a world where diplomacy drives economic opportunity.

A senior government representative said, “Every trip has been mission-focused — securing investment, negotiating debt relief, and advancing Pakistan’s position in international forums. These visits are investments in the country’s future.”

Supporters also note that many of the prime minister’s visits were conducted alongside major summits and international conferences, minimizing costs while maximizing exposure for Pakistan’s key sectors.

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The Broader Impact of Shehbaz’s Global Engagement

Observers of South Asian diplomacy say that PM Shehbaz breaks record with 1 foreign visit every month not merely as a statistic but as an indicator of Pakistan’s evolving diplomatic direction. The prime minister’s approach emphasizes economic diplomacy over traditional political rhetoric, focusing on pragmatic alliances and trade-driven foreign policy.

This strategy, while expensive, has positioned Pakistan as an active participant in regional and global discussions on energy, climate change, migration, and economic reform. International analysts note that consistent engagement is necessary if Pakistan hopes to secure sustained investment and geopolitical stability.

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Conclusion

With 34 official trips across 18 months, PM Shehbaz breaks record with 1 foreign visit every month, marking a new era in Pakistan’s diplomacy. Whether hailed as visionary engagement or criticized as costly overreach, there is no denying that Shehbaz Sharif’s global outreach has brought Pakistan back into international focus.

As Pakistan diplomacy 2025 continues to unfold, the real test will be whether these high-profile international tours translate into tangible economic relief and improved living conditions for the people of Pakistan. For now, the record stands — a prime minister determined to connect his nation with the world, one visit at a time.