Daily Times

Islamabad welcomed Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Reznichenko who is leading a 68-member delegation. Of course, the delegation’s arrival is a major moment in strengthening bilateral ties. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi greeted the delegation to a literally contained city. The delegation, which included ministers of energy, industry, communications, natural resources and emergency situations, along with the chairman of the Military Industry Committee and 43 top business figures, might be aware of the placement of containers all along the route.

The government has been conveying the public about the importance of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s visit, which will bolster relations between Pakistan and Belarus. Pakistan is committed to enhancing cooperation in diverse sectors, especially industry and trade.

As the Belarusian delegation’s arrival highlights a shared intent to strengthen collaboration across critical areas, the positive diplomatic engagements demand domestic stability. We face unrest caused by ongoing political protests. PTI’s call for demonstrations has led to major disruptions. Protests have caused road blockades in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, hindering mobility and supply chains. Schools in both cities will remain closed due to security concerns, per district administration announcements.

Economic repercussions have also been severe. Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reminds the government as well as the opposition that a single day of protests costs the economy Rs 190 billion. Strikes lead to GDP losses of Rs 144 billion daily. Exports take a hit of Rs 26 billion and foreign direct investment drop by Rs 3 billion. The agricultural and industrial sectors suffer losses of Rs 26 billion and Rs 20 billion. The information technology and telecom sectors face both economic and social challenges due to disruptions.

As the Belarusian delegation has arrived in State Guest House in Islamabad, PTI protesters are also trying to sneak into the capital city. At several places, police used tear gas to disperse the protesters after setting up barricades to block the convoy. PTI leasers reiterate the party’s mission to secure the release of PTI founder Islamabad, with Islamabad as their ultimate destination.

The simultaneous hosting of an international delegation and managing domestic unrest are the challenges faced by the government. The government, given the importance of the diplomatic event, could have made concessions to the opposition to save the day. It, however, chose the other way. Similarly, the opposition could have offered olive branch to the government to ensure a befitting welcome to the foreign delegates, but it chose confrontation. *