Islamabad (TDI): National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has revealed details of his recent interaction with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar in Dhaka, saying the Indian minister deliberately initiated high-level contact with Pakistan following the military escalation between the two countries in May.
Speaking on Geo News program “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath”, Sadiq said he represented Pakistan at the funeral prayers of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia, where several regional delegations were present, including representatives from Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladeshi officials.
He said the Indian delegation, led by Jaishankar, entered a waiting room inside the Bangladeshi parliament where multiple delegations were already gathered. According to Sadiq, Jaishankar greeted other officials before deliberately approaching him and initiating a handshake.
“I was speaking with Pakistan’s high commissioner to Bangladesh when he came up to me, greeted me, and introduced himself. As I was about to introduce myself, he said, ‘Excellency, I recognise who you are, there is no need for an introduction,’” Sadiq recalled.
Read More: A Brief Thaw? Ayaz Sadiq, Jaishankar Cross Paths in Dhaka
The National Assembly speaker noted that television cameras were following the Indian minister at the time, suggesting the interaction was carefully calculated.
“He knew exactly what he was doing and that it would be covered by the media,” Sadiq said, adding that he felt all eyes in the room were focused on the exchange. He described Jaishankar as a shrewd and experienced politician who fully understood the diplomatic and symbolic importance of the moment.
Sadiq also spoke about the reception he received during his visit to Bangladesh, describing it as overwhelmingly warm and enthusiastic. He said crowds chanted slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” and “I Love Pakistan” during his visit.
Read More: Pakistan Seeks Explanation from India Over Drop in Chenab River Flows
He added that his vehicle displayed a Pakistani flag while travelling to the funeral venue, which drew attention from people along the route who waved and tried to greet him.
“Due to security concerns, we were advised not to lower the car window, but I did so. People rushed forward with cameras to take pictures,” he said.
According to Sadiq, many people attempted to shake hands and greet him despite not knowing him personally, recognising that he was representing Pakistan. “Police kept pushing them back, but they kept coming forward again,” he said, calling the response “remarkably enthusiastic”.
