ISLAMABAD: In an uncommon display of diplomacy following the May conflict between Pakistan and India, senior leaders from both nations encountered one another in Dhaka during a significant event.
This brief yet symbolic interaction unfolded during National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s visit to Bangladesh, where he attended the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
Marking the first direct engagement between Pakistan and India’s top officials since the May standoff, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met face-to-face with Ayaz Sadiq in Dhaka.
The encounter occurred at Khaleda Zia’s residence, where the leaders shared a warm exchange. Reliable sources reveal that Jaishankar personally approached Ayaz Sadiq, extending a handshake, which was met with a gracious smile from the speaker. The two leaders went on to exchange pleasantries, briefly inquiring about each other’s well-being. Though their conversation lasted only a few moments, it carried considerable diplomatic weight amidst ongoing regional tensions.
The primary focus of Ayaz Sadiq’s trip remained the condolence mission. He met with Khaleda Zia’s children, including her son Tareq Rehman, to offer sympathies on behalf of Pakistan. Sadiq assured the bereaved family that Pakistan stands in solidarity with them during this moment of sorrow. The family, in turn, expressed gratitude for the visit and condolences.
Additionally, the speaker delivered an official message of sympathy on behalf of both Pakistan’s president and prime minister, underscoring Pakistan’s acknowledgment of Khaleda Zia’s political contributions and legacy.
During his stay in Bangladesh, Ayaz Sadiq also engaged in discussions with prominent Bangladeshi figures, including National Security Advisor Khalilur Rehman and Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul, focusing on matters of mutual interest.
While the central purpose of the visit was to express condolences, the unplanned meeting between Pakistani and Indian officials brought unexpected diplomatic significance to the occasion. Analysts view this rare high-level interaction as a potential opening for easing recent hostilities between the two countries.
