Farooq Abdullah, president of the National Conference (NC), expressed optimism regarding the possibility of discussions on India-Pakistan relations during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s upcoming visit to Islamabad. Abdullah, who has consistently advocated for dialogue between the two nations, emphasized the importance of addressing bilateral issues, particularly economic concerns.
“I hope there will be talks on every issue. Economic issues are important for all of us, the world itself. I am sure there will be discussions on bilateral matters as well,” Abdullah stated. He added, “I hope they will be friendly and that both sides will strive for a better understanding.”
However, Jaishankar has indicated that he will not be addressing India-Pakistan relations during his trip. His visit is primarily for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) conclave, scheduled for October 15-16. This marks the first high-level ministerial visit from India to Pakistan in eight years; the last was by then Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in August 2016 for a SAARC meeting.
Abdullah, a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed hope that the long-standing animosities between the two countries would eventually fade. “I hope and pray that animosities will disappear and that there will be a better relationship between the two nations,” he remarked.
In a related context, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reiterated Islamabad’s position on Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, aligning with the stance of the Congress-National Conference alliance that advocates for its restoration. Additionally, India has criticized Pakistan for harboring controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is considered a fugitive in India.
