National Conference president Farooq Abdullah described External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's upcoming visit to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting as a "good step" and expressed hope for improved relations between the two countries.
On Friday, India announced Jaishankar's travel to Pakistan for the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, scheduled for October 15 and 16. This marks the first visit by an Indian external affairs minister to Pakistan in nearly nine years, despite ongoing tensions over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism.
"Jaishankar ji is going to Pakistan for an SCO meeting. It's a very good step. I hope both countries think along the lines of friendship," Abdullah said.
The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's words: "Friends can be changed, borders cannot be changed." He emphasised the need for a friendly environment to foster peace and prosperity.
Regarding the recent flare-up in the Middle East, Abdullah described the situation as "heartbreaking." He stated, "Innocent people are being killed, be it in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iran, or Israel.
The world should wake up now. If this conflict spreads to other parts, the economic condition of the world will deteriorate, and our dream of a better nation will be crushed."
When asked about allegations of India supplying weapons to Israel, Abdullah expressed concern, stating, "If it's true, it's very sad. It means they are promoting hate that exists there, and I think that will destroy us. In the long run, we will pay a heavy price for such a thing."
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