National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq detailed his recent meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in Dhaka, noting that the Indian official took the initiative for high-level engagement with Pakistan following the May conflict.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath', Sadiq, who attended the funeral prayers of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as Pakistan's representative, said that delegations from the country, the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladeshi officials were already present when Jaishankar’s delegation entered a waiting room at the parliament complex.
The National Assembly speaker said that upon entering the room, Jaishankar first greeted other delegations before deliberately approaching him and initiating a handshake.
"I was speaking with Pakistan’s high commissioner to Bangladesh when he came up to me, greeted me, and introduced himself. As I was about to introduce myself, he said, 'Excellency, I recognise who you are and no need to introduce yourself.'"
Sadiq said that cameras accompanied the Indian minister, indicating that Jaishankar was fully aware that the interaction would be recorded and reported by the media.
"He knew exactly what he was doing and that it would be covered by the media," Sadiq remarked.
The National Assembly speaker said that he sensed all eyes in the room were focused on the interaction. He described Jaishankar as a shrewd politician who understood the significance and optics of the moment.
Speaking during the show, Sadiq said he received an enthusiastic and warm welcome during his visit to Bangladesh, where crowds chanted slogans of "Pakistan Zindabad" and “I Love Pakistan.”
The National Assembly speaker also described the public response during his journey to the funeral venue. He said the vehicle he was traveling in had a Pakistani flag displayed, prompting people along the route to wave as they recognised the flag.
"Due to security concerns, we were advised not to lower the car window. But I did so, people rushed forward with cameras to take pictures."
Sadiq said many individuals tried to shake hands and greet him, even though they did not know him personally, but were aware that he was representing Pakistan.
"Police kept pushing them back, but they kept coming forward again," he said.
The National Assembly speaker reiterated that throughout the visit, he continuously heard chants in support of Pakistan, calling the reception in Bangladesh "remarkably enthusiastic".
