SCO meet today: Jaishankar in Islamabad, is the first EAM to visit Pakistan in 9 years

Highlights:

• At the Wagah border, a poster of Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani with the inscription “Long Live Pakistan” sets the tone for the ongoing complexities in India-Pakistan relations.
• Against this backdrop, Islamabad prepares for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting, hosting several dignitaries, including Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Signals

China’s Importance to Pakistan

• The streets of Islamabad are lit up to welcome Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the first Chinese premier to visit Pakistan in 11 years. His reception by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the use of the ‘China-Pakistan Friendship Centre’—a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—for the SCO media centre reflect the high priority Pakistan places on its relationship with China.

Symbolism of Geelani’s Poster:

• The presence of Geelani’s poster alongside Pakistan’s founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah at the border highlights Pakistan’s continued alignment with Kashmir's separatist movement. It sends a political message of defiance against India while emphasizing Pakistan’s close ties with China as a strategic partner.

Jaishankar’s Visit: A Rare Diplomatic Engagement

Historical Context:

• Jaishankar’s visit marks the first time in nine years that an Indian External Affairs Minister has visited Pakistan. His last visit was as part of Sushma Swaraj’s delegation for the 2015 ‘Heart of Asia’ conference on Afghanistan.
• The current visit for the SCO meeting raises speculation about possible diplomatic openings between the two countries, which have seen strained ties due to terror attacks and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Welcoming by Pakistan:

• On his arrival, Jaishankar was greeted by senior Pakistani officials and had an informal meeting with Prime Minister Sharif during a dinner hosted for the dignitaries. While there are no plans for a formal bilateral dialogue, the meeting generated interest, with observers wondering if it could be a step toward thawing relations.

The Role of the SCO Meeting

Pakistan's Focus for the SCO:

• Pakistan, as the current chair of the SCO heads of government, has highlighted economic, trade, cultural connectivity, and climate change as key focus areas for the meeting. Although no direct talks between Indian and Pakistani leaders are expected, Pakistan emphasizes its role as a host and its responsibility to address global challenges.

Tensions in Pakistan:

• In the run-up to the SCO meeting, Islamabad has been locked down due to protests by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Security has been heightened, with army troops guarding key areas. Amid political instability, the government has declared a public holiday, and the motorway connecting Lahore to Islamabad has been heavily monitored to avoid disruptions.

Prelims Takeaways:

• SAARC
• India-Pakistan trade relations