Indian FM Jaishankar to visit Pakistan for SCO moot

 In a significant diplomatic development, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is set to visit Pakistan to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting. The summit, which will be hosted in Islamabad, is scheduled for October 15 and 16, 2024.

Jaishankar’s visit marks a rare high-level diplomatic interaction between the two neighboring countries, which have experienced strained relations in recent years. This will be the first time in nearly a decade that an Indian minister of this rank will attend an official event in Pakistan.

The SCO, an eight-member Eurasian political, economic, and security organization, plays a critical role in regional diplomacy, with key member states including China, Russia, India, and Pakistan. The Council of Heads of Government meeting is an essential platform for member nations to discuss economic and developmental cooperation.

Jaishankar’s participation in the Islamabad summit underscores India’s continued commitment to multilateral forums despite bilateral tensions. However, no formal talks between Indian and Pakistani officials outside the scope of the SCO agenda have been announced.

The upcoming meeting is seen as an opportunity for both nations to contribute to regional stability and economic collaboration within the framework of the SCO, though geopolitical dynamics between India and Pakistan remain sensitive.

RAWALPINDI – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and discussed bilateral strategic interests, regional security, and defence cooperation.

The visiting dignitary praised Pakistan Armed Forces’ role in regional peace and stability, acknowledging their professionalism and sacrifices in combating terrorism, said Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement on Friday.

He emphasised on the need for increasing bilateral ties particularly military relations amongst the two brotherly countries and extended an invitation to the COAS to visit Malaysia in the same context.

Gen Asim Munir thanked the Malaysian PM for the invitation and appreciated the successful visit to Pakistan, which will help further improve the enduring and historic ties between the two countries and the militaries.

COAS also attended the Investiture Ceremony and State Banquet held in the honour of Prime Minister of Malaysia at the Presidency.The visiting dignitary praised Pakistan Armed Forces’ role in regional peace and stability, acknowledging their professionalism and sacrifices in combating terrorism, said Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement on Friday.

He emphasised on the need for increasing bilateral ties particularly military relations amongst the two brotherly countries and extended an invitation to the COAS to visit Malaysia in the same context.

Gen Asim Munir thanked the Malaysian PM for the invitation and appreciated the successful visit to Pakistan, which will help further improve the enduring and historic ties between the two countries and the militaries.

COAS also attended the Investiture Ceremony and State Banquet held in the honour of Prime Minister of Malaysia at the Presidency.