PESHAWAR, Sept 8: Indian High Commissioner to Islamabad Shiv Shankar Menon and other members of his diplomatic staff visited Wali Bagh, the residence of senior Pukhtun nationalist leader, Mr Wali Khan, and held a meeting with leaders of the Awami National Party on Sunday.

Zahid Khan, the ANP’s central information secretary, told Dawn that the meeting lasted for five hours during which various issues of mutual interest were discussed.

According to him, Mr Menon was accompanied by the Indian Deputy High Commissioner Rigwan and political secretary Romesh, whereas Mr Wali Khan, his spouse Nasim Wali, son Asfandyar Wali and Azam Hoti represented the ANP.

“It was not a planned meeting,” said Zahid Khan, who was the only ANP leader not from the Wali Khan family taking part in the meeting.

“ The Indian High Commission had expressed its desire to meet Mr Khan,” said the ANP leader.

He said Mr Khan and Mr Menon discussed regional issues apart from India-Pakistan relations.

The ANP’s provincial leaders, when approached, appeared to be least informed about the issues that came under discussion.

Mian Iftikhar, ANP’s provincial secretary information, said: “I can only say they discussed issues of mutual interest.”