General Pasha is the first director-general of the ISI to have attended such a high-profile event organised by an Indian official on Pakistani soil.
On Friday, the iftar hosted by the Indian high commissioner to Pakistan, Sharat Sabharwal, had a special guest. He was Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha, the chief of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). Sending Pasha to attend the dinner was a goodwill gesture from the Pakistani establishment to soften up India and help resume the peace talks stalled after 26/11.
The historic development came amidst reports that Pakistan and India upon have begun to share intelligence on militants. General Pasha is the first director-general of the ISI to have attended such a high-profile event organised by an Indian official on Pakistani soil.
Sources in the Pakistani establishment were of the view that General Pasha must have sought prior permission to attend the dinner from Army chief General Ashfaq Kayani, who would not have given a go-ahead without the permission of the government.
Besides, General Pasha was not the only ISI invitee. He was accompanied by two other top officials. After being welcomed by Sabharwal, General Pasha said that he was glad to attend the event and there should be more interaction in future. He broke his fast and offered prayers before sampling the delicacies on offer.
After a while, the ISI chief left the venue. In July 2009, General Pasha had said during a meeting with Indian defence advisors that the ISI and the Pakistan Army should find a place in talks since they play key roles in helping the foreign ministry formulate its policies.
According to a Pakistani media report, one Indian journalist at the dinner said Pasha’s presence “is a glasnost in Indo-Pak relations”. Former ISI chief Assad Durrani said, “it’s a very positive development for the future of both countries”.
When a Pakistani journalist told General Pasha that Pakistan was working hard on its ties with India but New Delhi’s response was not very encouraging, he smiled and said, “Let’s hope for the best, things will definitely improve”.
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