In a new equation, Pakistan and Russian dynamics are transforming, and Pakistan PM Imran Khan visits Russia on the Kremlin’s invitation.
Imran Khan is visiting Russia on the Kremlin’s invitation, and Pakistani officials have said the visit was scheduled well ahead of current developments. In an interview to Russia’s state-controlled RT channel on Tuesday, Imran said the visit would focus on Pakistan’s relations with Russia.
Pm Imran khan reached Moscow Russia#PMImranKhan pic.twitter.com/D7IXRk0Kfb
— Umar Jutt (@UmarJavaidJutt) February 23, 2022
PM Imran Khan presented with Guard of Honour upon his arrival in Russia #PMIKInRussia : pic.twitter.com/swor6Z7oOw
— Virk Shahzaib (@VirkSh786) February 23, 2022
The USA was displeased with Pakistan Imran Khan’s visit to Russia saying, “It is the responsibility of every responsible country to voice objection to Russia’s actions in Ukraine,” US State Department on Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow (Russia)
"It is the responsibility of every responsible country to voice objection to Russia's actions in Ukraine," US State Department on Pakistan PM Imran Khan's visit to Moscow (Russia)
— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2022
Pakistani journalist tweeted, “As expected Imran Khan is now in a fix. Just a few hours before meeting him President Putin has announced a military invasion of independent sovereign state Ukraine. Europe on the verge of war. It was terrible timing for Russian visit, embarrassing for Khan to be with Putin today 🙈”
As expected Imran Khan is now in a fix. Just a few hours before meeting him President Putin has announced military invasion of independent sovereign state Ukraine. Europe on the verge of war. It was terrible timing for Russian visit,embarrassing for Khan to be with Putin today 🙈 pic.twitter.com/M09KlLK1F3
— Kamran Khan (@AajKamranKhan) February 24, 2022
The two-day visit to Moscow by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan beginning on Wednesday (February 23) comes at a time when President Vladimir Putin is the bad boy of the world for his actions against Ukraine. Imran will become the first foreign leader to visit Russia after Putin recognized two breakaway regions of Ukraine as independent republics, and the first Prime Minister of Pakistan to travel to that country since the landmark visit by Nawaz Sharif in 1999.
President Putin is to host a luncheon in honor of PM Imran Khan in the presidential palace on Thursday.
This would be the first-ever luncheon given to any Pakistani leader by the Kremlin, in the 75 years troubled diplomatic history of both countries.
Imran Khan was greeted royally; however, his timing was a bit dicey as just a few hours before meeting the Russian President, Putin declared war on Ukraine threatening dire consequences on any nation who dared to interfere and while Europe and America strongly condemn Russia’s action, Prime Minister Imran Khan finds himself having lunch with President Vladimir Putin, exchanging pleasantries, and working on stronger relations. Was it an ill-timed visit or would it work towards Pakistan’s benefit?
Is this new equation going to change politics for India?