Pakistan, May 28 -- In an age of broadcast grandstanding, Pakistan's diplomacy is taking a quieter, but no less deliberate, shape.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's ongoing four-nation tour is proving to be more than a symbolic thank you for support during Pakistan's recent standoff with India. In a pure recalibration of geopolitical rhythm, where Mr Modi has opted for the echo chambers of the Global North, Islamabad is now meticulously building something different: a cross-continental lattice of trust, transport, trade and, increasingly, narrative solidarity.

On one end of the table looms large New Delhi as it pushes to relist Pakistan on the FATF grey list, suspends the Indus Waters Treaty and seeks its global isolation. But Pakistan's ...