ISLAMABAD (MNN); An official from the Foreign Office confirmed that Pakistan received an invitation for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to attend the inauguration of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. However, the Foreign Office informed Bangladesh that PM Shehbaz Sharif is on a pre-scheduled official visit to Austria and therefore will not be able to attend. Pakistan’s representation at the inauguration will be communicated once a decision is made.
PM Shehbaz Sharif left for Austria on Sunday for a two-day official visit, where he is expected to hold bilateral and delegation-level meetings. The government’s official X account shared a video showing the premier and his delegation departing for Vienna from PAF Base Lahore.
According to the Foreign Office, this is “the first visit by a Pakistani prime minister to Austria in over three decades,” the last having been by former PM Nawaz Sharif in 1992. PM Shehbaz is visiting at the invitation of Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker.
The two leaders will hold bilateral meetings at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna and co-chair a session with prominent business leaders to enhance investment between the two countries. The PM will also address the Pakistan-Austria Business Forum organized by the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO).
During the visit, PM Shehbaz is expected to meet International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. In September 2025, Grossi had praised Pakistan’s steady progress and cooperation with the agency, noting that the country’s nuclear program was advancing “at a good pace.”
PM Shehbaz will also address a United Nations event focused on “Sustainable Development: The Path to Global Peace and Prosperity.”
Accompanying the Prime Minister are Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi.
The Foreign Office highlighted that the visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Austria. Both leaders are expected to review the full range of bilateral relations, reinforcing ties based on dialogue, cooperation, multilateralism, and respect for international law.
