Indian journalist Barkha Dutt meets Nawaz Sharif, CM Maryam Nawaz in Lahore

LAHORE: Indian journalist Barkha Dutt recently met with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore.

This meeting coincides with Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which will take place in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024.

According to local reports, Barkha Dutt’s visit aligns with Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming SCO summit.

Her meeting with the Pakistan Muslim League (N) leadership took place as international media representatives began arriving in Pakistan to cover the high-profile event.

The summit aims to enhance multilateral cooperation among member states, focusing on key issues such as combating terrorism, economic collaboration, and climate change.

Pakistan is hosting the 23rd Council of Heads of Government meeting of the SCO summit, attended by prime ministers and senior officials from member countries, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran’s First Vice President.

Notably, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and China’s Premier Li Qiang will also participate in the summit.

Delegations from various countries have already arrived in Islamabad, including a four-member team from India, 76 representatives from Russia, 15 officials from China, a two-member Iranian delegation, and four officials from Kyrgyzstan.

However, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has ruled out the possibility of bilateral talks during the SCO summit, emphasizing that it will be a multilateral event.