Jaishankar takes a stroll at Indian High Commission in Pakistan, plants sapling; see pics

NEW DELHI: External affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar on Tuesday took a morning walk at the Indian High Commission premises in Islamabad during his visit to Pakistan for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ( SCO ) conclave.


Jaishankar is in Pakistan for SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) summit on October 15 and 16. Along with walking at the premises, Jaishankar also planted a sampling at the premises in Islamabad. Upon arrival, he was welcomed at the Nur Khan airbase by senior Pakistani officials.


This visit marks the first time in nearly nine years that an Indian foreign minister has traveled to Pakistan. The last visit was by Sushma Swaraj in December 2015 for a conference on Afghanistan. Relations between India and Pakistan have remained tense over Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism.


Jaishankar is expected to attend a banquet hosted by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for SCO delegates. However, there are no scheduled bilateral talks between Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar.

In his recent address at an event, Jaishankar said "like with any neighbour, India would certainly like to have good relations with Pakistan. But that cannot happen by overlooking cross-border terrorism and indulging in wishful thinking."

Sending a senior minister to Pakistan is seen as a display of India's commitment to the SCO.