Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, has expressed optimism that India will take meaningful steps toward fostering peace and dialogue in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. This comes as Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visits Pakistan to attend the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, marking the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade.
Pakistan’s Focus at the SCO Summit
As the current chair of the SCO, Pakistan has outlined key priorities for the summit, with an emphasis on:
- Economic Development: The agenda focuses on strengthening economic cooperation among member states, addressing pressing global issues like climate change and disruptions in supply chains.
- Cultural Connectivity: Enhancing cultural ties between SCO members is another major goal for Pakistan, seeking to bridge cultural divides for better regional understanding.
- Climate Change: Baloch stressed the need for a collective response to climate challenges, which disproportionately affect developing countries, including many within the SCO.
The summit’s final declaration is expected to reflect a consensus on economic development and collaborative efforts to address these shared challenges.
Jaishankar’s Firm Stance
During his address at the summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s longstanding position on the need for an environment free of terrorism for any meaningful dialogue with Pakistan. He emphasized that “terror and talks cannot go hand-in-hand,” underscoring that peace and stability are prerequisites for development and regional cooperation. His comments reflect India’s concern over terrorism, which remains a core issue in its relations with Pakistan.
Jaishankar also pointed out the importance of addressing terrorism, separatism, and extremism, aligning with the SCO’s broader mission to combat these “three evils.”
Prospects for Bilateral Talks
Although Jaishankar’s visit is primarily centered on the SCO summit, informal discussions with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar touched on potential cricketing ties between the two nations. While this conversation signals a possible opening for future dialogue, both sides acknowledge that significant progress in relations will require careful negotiation, given their troubled history.
