Handshake with Indian FM Jaishankar was ‘surprising’, Sadiq tells PM

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has described his recent handshake with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as “surprising”, while briefing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on his recent visit to Dhaka.

The NA speaker met PM Shehbaz at the National Assembly on Monday to provide a detailed account of his diplomatic trip to Bangladesh. He described the visit as “extremely constructive and positive,” noting that his meetings with Bangladeshi leaders, including the chief adviser, senior ministers, and other officials, had been “highly pleasant and productive.”

Sadiq also briefed the premier on his meetings with Khaleda Zia’s family, including her son and other close relatives, emphasising the cordial nature of these interactions.

In addition, he recounted the unusual moment when Indian FM Jaishankar personally approached him, introduced himself, and shook his hand, a gesture Sadiq said was “well-prepared and carefully planned.”

PM Shehbaz congratulated the NA speaker on the success of his Bangladesh visit and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in all fields. He emphasised the importance of promoting parliamentary links with Dhaka, describing such engagements as “essential for long-term cooperation.”

“He knew exactly what he was doing and that it would be covered by the media,” Sadiq had said in a separate conversation about the interaction. Staff Report