Clarification on Defence Minister’s SCO Meeting

The Foreign Office has addressed ongoing media conjecture by confirming that there is no planned meeting between Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting.

In a formal statement, the Foreign Office verified that Khawaja Asif will be present at the SCO gathering in Qingdao, China, commencing on Wednesday.

Contrasting this, reports in Turkish media had raised the prospect of a potential initial face-to-face discussion between the two South Asian nations’ defence ministers, especially given the recent period of military tension between Islamabad and New Delhi.

According to Turkish media outlets, Khawaja Asif is heading the Pakistani delegation for the two-day SCO event. Simultaneously, the Indian defence minister is also expected to participate with a prominent delegation. Moreover, Singh is reportedly scheduled to conduct meetings with the defence ministers from China, Russia, and other countries.

Government sources indicate that Khawaja Asif has already arrived in China for the SCO event, with the Indian minister also in attendance.

The SCO meeting’s agenda encompasses deliberations on matters of regional and global security, collaborative counter-terrorism measures, and strengthening military relations.

Prior to this, National Security Advisor (NSA) Lt Gen Asim Malik participated in the 20th assembly of Security Council Secretaries from SCO Member States on Tuesday in Beijing, China.

During his visit, the NSA engaged with Chinese leaders and delivered a significant address, reaffirming Pakistan’s perspective on the global and regional landscape, its commitment to peace and security, and holding discussions with key leaders from SCO member states to promote enhanced bilateral and security cooperation.

As part of his engagements, the NSA underscored Pakistan’s aspiration for a stable and peaceful neighborhood and its function in fostering regional stability.