• Source:JND
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The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin brought together the heads of state from all member countries, including Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. While the summit focused on strategic, economic, and security issues, a moment during the group photograph sparked widespread discussion on social media.

During the SCO family photo-op, Shehbaz Sharif was seen hastily moving forward to greet Russian President Vladimir Putin. Videos circulating online show Sharif breaking from his position to extend his hand toward Putin as the Russian leader walked past other dignitaries. By the time Sharif reached him, Putin had moved ahead but returned briefly to shake hands before continuing.

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Social media users reacted strongly. One wrote, “While other leaders showed composure, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif came running to Putin to shake his hand… pathetic attention-seeking behaviour.” Another user commented, “Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vying for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attention at the family photo of the SCO Summit in Tianjin.”

Not The First Time Sharif Sparks Attention Online

This is not the first time Shehbaz Sharif’s actions have become a topic of discussion. During the 2022 SCO meeting, a video of Sharif with Putin went viral when he fumbled with a translation headset during a bilateral meeting in Uzbekistan. The device repeatedly slipped off as the talks were about to begin, prompting visible laughter from Putin. Despite aides’ assistance, it took several attempts to properly start the discussion, highlighting the Pakistani leader’s awkward moment on the international stage.

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The Photo-Op Incident Unfolded

In the 2025 incident, after the group photo was taken, Putin moved forward alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, acknowledging other leaders with nods. Sharif, positioned further back, ran forward smilingly to extend his hand. Despite the quick dash, Putin paused to shake hands, making for a moment that netizens immediately labelled as “desperate” and “pathetic.”

A third social media user wrote, “Pakistan’s puppet Prime Minister Shehbaz today tried to outdo Modi by shamelessly forcing a handshake with Putin.” Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly looked away during Sharif’s dash, avoiding any awkward visual interaction.