Islamabad (TDI): National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq described his recent handshake with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as “surprising” while briefing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on his diplomatic trip to Dhaka.
The handshake occurred ahead of the last rites of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and marked one of the rare direct contacts between senior Pakistani and Indian officials since the May 2025 conflict.
Speaking at the National Assembly on Monday, Sadiq called the visit “extremely constructive and positive,” highlighting productive meetings with Bangladeshi leaders, including the chief adviser, senior ministers, and Khaleda Zia’s family members. He noted that all interactions were cordial and helped reinforce diplomatic and parliamentary ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, according to Geo News.
“The handshake was well-prepared and carefully planned. Jaishankar knew exactly what he was doing and that it would be closely observed by the media,” Sadiq said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated Sadiq on the success of his visit, underlining Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Bangladesh and promoting parliamentary cooperation as a key element of long-term ties.
Read More: ‘Jaishankar Knew Exactly What He Was Doing’: Ayaz Sadiq on Dhaka Encounter
The encounter is particularly noteworthy against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Pakistan and India last year. In May 2025, following an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, India launched a military operation. Pakistan denied involvement and called for a neutral investigation. During the ensuing conflict, Pakistan downed seven Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafales, before a US-brokered ceasefire ended hostilities on May 10, 2025.
Read More: A Brief Thaw? Ayaz Sadiq, Jaishankar Cross Paths in Dhaka
The strained relations also spilled over into sports, with Indian cricketers refusing to shake hands with Pakistani players during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, including the final match, further highlighting the tense atmosphere between the two countries.
