The True Cost of Smiling Photos: Thousands of Armenian Lives - Oskanian

Former Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian wrote: “The real price of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Pakistan is the loss of Artsakh and the forced displacement of 150,000 people. For three decades, Pakistan refused to recognize Armenia due to the issue of Artsakh. And now, we are supposedly able to have 'friendly relations.' What a wonderful diplomatic victory. One cannot help but think, if the Armenian people were offered a choice between the de facto independent Armenian Artsakh or diplomatic ties with Islamabad, which would they choose? Behind these smiling photos lies the real cost of this 'success': thousands of Armenian lives, the loss of Artsakh, and the forced displacement of 150,000 people from their homeland. But nothing, at least we signed a protocol. This will surely look great in the Foreign Ministry’s annual summary report,” Oskanian stated on his Facebook page.

It should be noted that on August 31, it became known that Armenia and Pakistan had established diplomatic relations. Today, Azerbaijani media reported that Pakistan has blocked Armenia's membership in the SCO in response to India's blocking of Azerbaijan’s membership. The Armenian Foreign Ministry has not confirmed this news.