EAM's Pakistan visit: From morning walk, tree plantation to dinner with PM Shehbaz Sharif

External affairs minister S Jaishankar arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday to participate in a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conclave.
Jaishankar's aircraft touched down at the Nur Khan airbase, near the Pakistani capital, around 3.30 pm local time, where he was welcomed by senior Pakistani officials. This visit is the first by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly nine years.

EAM Jaishankar also participated a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the delegates on Tuesday.

As Jaishankar arrived at the venue, which was the Prime Minister's residence, Sharif extended his hand in greeting. The handshake that ensued lasted several seconds as the two leaders exchanged pleasantries.

S Jaishankar on Tuesday took a morning walk at the Indian High Commission premises in Islamabad.

Sharing a post on X he said: "A morning walk together with colleagues of Team @IndiainPakistan in our High Commission campus."

He also planted an Arjuna sapling as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign at the premises of the Indian High Commission. He was accompanied by officials of the Indian High Commission.

Jaishankar addressed the SCO council of heads of government meeting on Wednesday and underlined the importance of commitment to the grouping's charter, disruption of various kinds such as conflicts, climate change, among others.

"Delivered India's national statement at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting today morning in Islamabad. SCO needs to be able and adept at responding to challenges facing us in a turbulent world," Jaishankar said in a post on X.

A productive meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government concluded in Islamabad today. Signed eight outcome documents. India made a positive and constructive contribution to the deliberations.: Jaishankar

In his address at the conclave, Jaishankar flagged concerns over a number of challenges including that of countering the “three evils” of terrorism, extremism and separatism.

“If activities across borders are characterised by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges in parallel,” the external affairs minister said, without naming Pakistan.

Jaishankar thanked Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and the hosts of the SCO meeting for their "hospitality and courtesies".
Taking to X he wrote: "Departing from Islamabad.Thank PM @CMShehbaz, DPM & FM @MIshaqDar50 and the Government of Pakistan for the hospitality and courtesies." (All Photos credit: S Jaishankar/X)