MINSK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Belarus has offered to invite over 150,000 Pakistani skilled workers to the country. He described the offer as a generous “gift” for Pakistan. The move is aimed at contributing to Belarus’s national development while giving employment opportunities to the youth of Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif, during a joint press conference with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko, thanked the Belarusian government. He said the initiative would benefit both countries. The Pakistani skilled workers, certified by global and national standards, will become a strong asset for Belarus, the prime minister added.
The premier is visiting Belarus on the invitation of President Lukashenko. This high-level visit follows Lukashenko’s trip to Pakistan in November 2024. That visit resulted in over a dozen MoUs and agreements to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors.
Referring to Lukashenko’s earlier visit to Pakistan in 2015-16, PM Shehbaz said it laid the groundwork for growing ties. He noted that Pakistan was eager to learn from Belarus, especially in agriculture. He stressed the need for Belarus’s support in increasing crop yields. Pakistan is an agricultural country with 65% of its population living in rural areas.
Shehbaz Sharif encouraged joint ventures between Pakistani and Belarusian companies. He said such partnerships would bring mutual benefit. The prime minister also pointed out Belarus’s expertise in mining machinery. He mentioned that Pakistan holds mineral reserves worth trillions of dollars. A partnership in this field could prove very fruitful.
President Lukashenko welcomed the Pakistani premier warmly. He underlined the importance of strong bilateral ties. Belarus, he said, gives great value to its relationship with Pakistan. The president expressed hope for wider cooperation in trade, agriculture, industry, and technology.
Lukashenko believed the visit would boost long-term strategic ties. He called for new areas of collaboration to be explored. The Belarusian president stressed the need to build on the existing friendly relationship.
During the visit, both nations signed several agreements and memoranda. The documents covered various sectors, including defense, trade, and environmental protection. These agreements were finalized during delegation-level talks between the two sides.
Shehbaz Sharif and President Lukashenko witnessed the signing ceremony. Ministers from both countries exchanged the already signed documents. Among them was a Readmission Agreement and a cooperation deal between the interior ministries. These were exchanged by Senator Ishaq Dar and the Belarusian Interior Minister.
Another major pact involved the defense ministries of both countries. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin exchanged the related documents. A roadmap for Military-Technical Cooperation from 2025 to 2027 was also signed. This plan involves the State Authority for Military Industry of Belarus and Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense Production.
Additional agreements focused on environmental conservation, postal services, business support, and trade development. These pacts aim to enhance cooperation between trade bodies from both nations.
This visit, and especially the offer of hiring Pakistani skilled workers, marks a new chapter in Pakistan-Belarus relations. It opens the door for employment, collaboration, and long-term growth. The initiative also highlights Pakistan’s growing role in international manpower exports, especially in the category of highly skilled professionals.
The prime minister reaffirmed that skilled professionals from Pakistan would live up to the expectations of their Belarusian counterparts. He expressed full confidence in the abilities of Pakistan’s workforce.
This opportunity is not just an international employment deal. It is a diplomatic success and a potential game-changer for thousands of qualified Pakistani workers looking for global opportunities.
