Speaking on Aaj Shahzaib Khanzada Kay Sath on Geo News, Sadiq said he was representing Pakistan at the funeral prayers of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia when the interaction took place.
He said delegations from Pakistan, the Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan, along with Bangladeshi officials, were already present in a waiting room at parliament when the Indian delegation led by Jaishankar arrived.
According to the National Assembly speaker, Jaishankar greeted other delegations before deliberately approaching him and initiating a handshake.
“I was speaking with Pakistan’s high commissioner to Bangladesh when he came up to me, greeted me and introduced himself. As I was about to introduce myself, he said, ‘Excellency, I recognise who you are and there is no need to introduce yourself,’” Sadiq said.
He added that cameras were accompanying the Indian minister, indicating that Jaishankar was fully aware the interaction would be recorded and reported.
“He knew exactly what he was doing and that it would be covered by the media,” Sadiq remarked, adding that all eyes in the room were focused on the exchange and that Jaishankar understood the political and symbolic significance of the moment.
Warm reception in Bangladesh
Sadiq also spoke about the reception he received during his visit to Bangladesh, describing it as highly enthusiastic. He said crowds chanted slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” and “I Love Pakistan” during his movements.
The National Assembly speaker said the vehicle he was travelling in displayed a Pakistani flag, which drew waves and cheers from people along the route to the funeral venue.
“Due to security concerns, we were advised not to lower the car window, but I did so. People rushed forward with cameras to take pictures,” he said.
He added that many people attempted to shake hands and greet him despite not knowing him personally, simply because he was representing Pakistan.
“Police kept pushing them back, but they kept coming forward again,” Sadiq said, adding that chants in support of Pakistan continued throughout the visit, which he described as remarkably warm and welcoming.
