ISLAMABAD – National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday. He briefed him about his recent trip to Bangladesh.
The meeting focused on key parliamentary issues. One event drew particular attention. During former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s funeral, Sadiq shook hands with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
The handshake marked the first high-level contact between officials of Pakistan and India since May 2025. The brief encounter lasted only six to seven seconds.
Sadiq explained that Jaishankar first greeted other officials. He then approached the Pakistani speaker directly. At the moment, Sadiq was talking to Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Dhaka.
“He introduced himself as India’s foreign minister,” Sadiq told the prime minister. He said the handshake took him by surprise. Sadiq remained extremely careful during the brief interaction.
The speaker believes the meeting was carefully planned. Jaishankar understood the significance of the moment and knew cameras were present. The gesture was captured and widely shared on social media.
All eyes in the waiting room focused on how Sadiq would respond. The handshake quickly became a topic of discussion in both countries. Analysts debated its diplomatic meaning.
Beyond the handshake, Sadiq shared details of his Bangladesh visit. He attended Khaleda Zia’s funeral and met her family. He offered condolences to her son Tarique Rahman and daughter.
Sadiq also held meetings with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser and senior officials. The discussions were described as cordial. The Pakistani delegation received a warm reception across Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Sadiq for the successful visit. He emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary and regional ties.
Domestic political matters were also discussed. Sadiq spoke about ongoing dialogue efforts with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. He confirmed sending letters to the chief whip about opposition leader appointments.
The handshake carries historical significance. Relations between India and Pakistan have long been tense. Even small gestures now attract attention from analysts and the public.
In other news read more about: Ayaz Sadiq Meets Indian FM Jaishankar in Dhaka
Diplomatic observers remain cautious. Some hope it signals future dialogue, while others view it as a courtesy at a solemn event.
For now, the handshake represents a rare moment of direct contact between neighboring nations. Its long-term impact on diplomacy remains uncertain.
