Pakistan's persistent efforts to internationalize the Kashmir issue suffered a significant setback during the recent visit of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. During his three-day visit starting November 25, 2024, Lukashenko made it clear that his focus was strictly on business and bilateral cooperation, not political disputes including Kashmir.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan, who had personally welcomed President Lukashenko at the airport, breaking protocol to emphasize the significance of the visit, attempted to steer the discussion towards the Kashmir issue. However, Lukashenko's refusal to engage on the topic left the Pakistani delegation visibly uncomfortable and has since raised questions about Pakistan's diplomatic strategies.

Pakistani media, notably journalist Arzoo Kazmi, highlighted the incident as emblematic of Pakistan’s broader diplomatic challenges. Kazmi criticized the Pakistani approach on her YouTube channel, noting that not all countries support Pakistan's stance on Kashmir.

This has been seen as a diplomatic faux pas for Sharif, who had hoped to secure a statement from Belarus that would support Pakistan against India regarding Kashmir. The incident has not only exposed the limits of Pakistan's influence but also spotlighted internal contradictions within the country's political narrative.

For instance, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently referred to Kashmir as "foreign soil," which sparked controversy and criticism from opposition parties in Pakistan. This episode has led to introspection among Pakistani policymakers and commentators about the efficacy and appropriateness of using international platforms to discuss Kashmir.

The refusal by Belarus to entertain the discussion underscores the geopolitical complexities and the need for Pakistan to reassess its diplomatic approach, especially in how it might be perceived by other nations. The focus of Lukashenko’s visit remained on enhancing business relations, with several agreements signed between Belarus and Pakistan. This development suggests a potential shift in priorities for Pakistan, highlighting the need for more nuanced and strategic diplomatic engagements in the future.