Putin-Shehbaz Meeting / Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif Forcibly Enters Putin's Meeting, Russian President Made Him Wait 40 Minutes

An unexpected incident unfolded during the International Peace and Trust Forum in Turkmenistan, where Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly forced his way into a crucial meeting involving Russian President Vladimir Putin. The event occurred while Putin was engaged in bilateral discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This development has raised several questions regarding the Pakistani Prime Minister's conduct on an international platform, drawing significant attention to the diplomatic protocols observed at such high-level gatherings.

The Turkmenistan Incident

The entire episode took place during the International Peace and Trust Forum meeting in Turkmenistan. A scheduled meeting between Putin and Shehbaz Sharif was part of the forum's agenda, while however, the Pakistani Prime Minister was made to wait for 40 minutes for this meeting, but the Russian President didn't arrive to meet him. Following the prolonged wait, Shehbaz Sharif allegedly entered the meeting hall where Putin was conversing with Erdogan. He remained in the hall for approximately 10 minutes before exiting. Shortly after, when Putin himself emerged from the meeting hall, he was observed winking at journalists, further fueling speculation and interest in the incident. This gesture from Putin added a layer of intrigue to an already unusual diplomatic encounter.

A History of Awkward Encounters

This isn't the first time that meetings between Vladimir Putin and Shehbaz Sharif have garnered attention for their unusual nature. On several occasions when these two leaders have met, peculiar incidents have occurred, drawing significant media and public interest. These recurring awkward moments have prompted discussions about the dynamics of diplomatic relations between the two nations, particularly for Pakistan, which is actively seeking to strengthen its standing on various international forums. The pattern suggests a certain unpredictability in their interactions, which contrasts. With the typically formal and structured nature of high-level international diplomacy.

The Earphone Fiasco

Previously, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Beijing, China, a meeting between Putin and Shehbaz Sharif became notable for an earphone malfunction. At the time, Shehbaz Sharif encountered considerable difficulty in properly attaching his translation earphone while speaking with Putin. Video footage clearly showed the earphone repeatedly slipping from his ear, preventing him from securing it correctly. Observing this predicament, Putin was seen smiling and attempting to demonstrate to Sharif how to wear the earphone properly, while this incident, widely circulated, created an awkward yet memorable moment between the two leaders, highlighting a minor technical glitch that became a significant talking point.

Repetition at 2022 SCO Summit

Exactly three years prior, a similar incident occurred during the 2022 SCO Summit in Uzbekistan. During a bilateral meeting with Russian President Putin, Shehbaz Sharif again faced issues adjusting his earphone. As their discussions commenced, his headset repeatedly slipped, causing a slight disruption to the proceedings. Despite several attempts to rectify the situation, the problem persisted for some time, while witnessing Shehbaz Sharif's struggles, Putin reportedly chuckled, once again making their encounter a memorable one for its unusual circumstances. These repeated incidents with the earphone suggest a recurring theme in their interactions, adding a touch of informal humor to otherwise serious diplomatic engagements.

Eagerness for a Handshake

At the SCO Summit held in Tianjin earlier the same year, Shehbaz Sharif was also observed to be notably eager to attract Putin's attention and shake his hand. Following the formal photo session of the SCO Summit on August 31, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping exited together, while suddenly, from behind, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stepped forward and extended his hand towards Putin. While Xi Jinping appeared to ignore the gesture, Putin turned back and shook Sharif's hand. This incident further underscored Shehbaz Sharif's apparent eagerness to engage with Putin, reflecting a proactive approach to diplomatic interaction on his part.

Forum's Significance and Goals

The International Peace and Trust Forum serves as a crucial international platform. It's a gathering where leaders, ministers, officials, experts, peace-related organizations, and representatives from the United Nations from various countries convene to discuss how to foster peace and enhance trust among nations globally. Its primary objective is to reduce tensions between countries, promote dialogue, and cultivate harmony among people. This forum plays a vital role in advancing global peace and security initiatives, providing a dedicated space for collaborative efforts towards these goals. This forum is typically organized when the United Nations dedicates a particular year to peace and trust. For instance, the year 2025 was declared the International Year of Peace and Trust by the United Nations, and as part of this initiative, the forum was held in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. It saw the participation of presidents, prime ministers, and high-level representatives from numerous countries.

The forum provides an open platform for discussing critical global issues such as conflicts, disputes, wars, regional tensions, cultural differences, and the lack of dialogue. Its aims also include raising awareness among the younger generation about peace and building trust within societies. Various international organizations participate to develop a shared understanding of the steps required for global peace. The advantage of this platform is that it offers countries an opportunity for dialogue. In a relaxed environment, free from political pressures or the complex framework of official negotiations. This fosters softer relations and enhances mutual trust. While it isn't a direct venue for resolving disputes, it creates an atmosphere that can strengthen the path towards future solutions, while it isn't an annual event but is convened whenever a country or the United Nations places special emphasis on peace and trust. Its overarching goal is to make the world more stable, secure, and cooperative, thereby building a better world for future generations.

❗️The Moment PM Sharif Gate-crashed Putin's Meeting With Erdogan After Waiting For 40 Mins https://t.co/r4L9XhA9IY pic.twitter.com/shi7YLMgmP

— RT_India (@RT_India_news) December 12, 2025