No Meeting Planned Between PM Shehbaz and Modi at SCO Summit, Clarifies Foreign Office

ISLAMABAD – The Foreign Office of Pakistan on Friday firmly dismissed speculation regarding a potential meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing, FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan reiterated Pakistan’s consistent stance of readiness for a composite dialogue with India — one that encompasses all bilateral issues, including terrorism. He emphasized that Pakistan holds concrete evidence of Indian involvement in terrorism and believes it should be a topic within broader talks, not the only agenda item.

“India wants to speak only on terrorism. We are ready to speak on terrorism too, but it will be part of a comprehensive dialogue, not the sole issue,” Khan said. He also confirmed that no backchannel or informal diplomatic meeting was planned between the two South Asian leaders during the summit.

Responding to a question regarding third-party involvement, the spokesperson welcomed efforts by friendly nations, including China, to mediate peace in the region. He pointed to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent comments supporting regional cooperation and the statement of the Chinese Ambassador to India, who acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in fighting terrorism.

Highlighting the strong and time-tested relationship with China, the FO emphasized that Pakistan-China ties stand independently, unaffected by China’s growing interactions with other regional powers.

On the harassment of Pakistani diplomats in India, Khan stressed the importance of adhering to international diplomatic norms and bilateral codes of conduct. He confirmed that Pakistan had raised these issues with New Delhi and called for mutual respect of diplomatic privileges.

Commenting on TTP attacks from Afghan soil, the spokesperson said Pakistan continues to show restraint but expects Afghanistan to take meaningful action. “Terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan remain a hurdle in realizing the full potential of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations,” he stated, adding that trilateral efforts with China are ongoing.

On India’s recent Agni missile test, the FO issued a strong statement, calling it a destabilizing move that threatens regional and global security. “India’s expanding missile arsenal, especially intercontinental capabilities, should raise concerns about the selective enforcement of international export control regulations,” said Khan. He warned that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty and will maintain full spectrum deterrence.

When asked about anti-Taliban leaders meeting in Islamabad on August 25–26, the FO clarified that the event is being hosted by an independent think tank, not the Government of Pakistan. “It is an open, civil event and should not be misinterpreted as state policy,” Khan explained.

Regarding a possible visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the spokesperson denied any confirmed plans for an October trip, stating that discussions on high-level visits remain ongoing.

Finally, he confirmed that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Bangladesh on August 23–24 at the invitation of the Dhaka government. DPM Dar is expected to hold meetings with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.

Read more: PM Shehbaz Sharif to meet Donald Trump in US next month.