Jaishankar Initiated Contact, Aware of Optics, Says Ayaz Sadiq

News Desk 

Islamabad: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has shared details of his recent interaction with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar in Dhaka, saying the Indian minister deliberately initiated contact with him and was fully aware of the political and media optics surrounding the moment.

Speaking on a Geo News programme, Sadiq said the interaction took place during a gathering at Bangladesh’s parliament on the sidelines of the funeral prayer of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia, which he attended as Pakistan’s representative.

According to Sadiq, delegations from Pakistan, the Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan, along with Bangladeshi officials, were already present in a waiting room when the Indian delegation, led by Jaishankar, entered.

“He first greeted other delegations and then deliberately approached me and initiated a handshake,” Sadiq said.

The NA speaker recalled that he was speaking with Pakistan’s high commissioner to Bangladesh when Jaishankar approached him, greeted him and introduced himself.

“As I was about to introduce myself, he said, ‘Excellency, I recognise who you are and there is no need to introduce yourself,’” Sadiq said.

Sadiq noted that cameras were accompanying the Indian foreign minister, suggesting that Jaishankar was fully aware the interaction would be recorded and reported.

“He knew exactly what he was doing and that it would be covered by the media,” the speaker said, adding that he sensed the attention of everyone present was focused on the exchange.

Describing Jaishankar as a “shrewd politician,” Sadiq said the Indian minister understood the significance and symbolism of the moment, particularly in the context of strained relations following the May conflict.

Warm Reception in Bangladesh

Sadiq also spoke about the reception he received during his visit to Bangladesh, describing it as enthusiastic and warm.

He said crowds chanted slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” and “I Love Pakistan” during his visit.

The NA speaker said that during his journey to the funeral venue, the vehicle he was travelling in displayed a Pakistani flag, prompting people along the route to wave and acknowledge him.

“Due to security concerns, we were advised not to lower the car window, but I did so,” Sadiq said, adding that people rushed forward to take pictures and greet him.

He said many attempted to shake hands and meet him despite not knowing him personally, but recognising that he was representing Pakistan.

“Police kept pushing them back, but they kept coming forward again,” he said.

Sadiq said he consistently heard chants in support of Pakistan throughout the visit, calling the public response in Bangladesh “remarkably enthusiastic.”