Jaishankar to Visit Pakistan to attend SCO summit: MEA

North News

New Delhi, October 4

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will travel to Pakistan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ‘Heads of Government’ (HoG) meeting in Islamabad on October 15-16,  said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during weekly press briefing on Friday. This marks a significant moment, as it is the first visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Islamabad in nearly a decade and the last visit occurred in 2015 when then EAM Sushma Swaraj traveled to Pakistan.

Commenting on Zakir Naik’s visit to Pakistan, the MEA expressed discontent, stating, “We are not surprised that a fugitive from Indian justice has received a high-level welcome in Pakistan. It is disappointing and condemnable, but as I said, not surprising.”

Regarding Bangladesh’s decision to withdraw its envoy from Delhi, the MEA emphasized that it is Bangladesh’s internal matter, adding, “It’s their own decision who they make envoy.” The MEA also expressed hope for the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting that “Durga Puja brings happiness to everyone’s life.”