During the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Office (PMO) took steps to digitally alter a group photograph, intentionally removing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This incident occurred amid growing tensions in regional relations, with the edited image showcasing Shehbaz Sharif prominently placed in the centre.

The photograph in question was from September 1, 2026, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where top leaders from the ten member nations assembled for the summit. Apart from Modi, several other leaders such as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were also omitted from the Pakistan PMO’s shared version of the image.

Following a public backlash over the edited image, Shehbaz Sharif subsequently shared the complete group photograph on his personal account. The original picture depicts him standing significantly off-centre, alongside other leaders, revealing the discrepancy in the portrayal by the Pakistan PMO.

Backlash and Public Reaction

Responses on social media condemned Pakistan’s actions as unprofessional, with numerous users countering the edits by sharing the unaltered group photo. Some posts highlighted the absurdity of the situation by creatively editing the image to include a “begging bowl” in Sharif’s hands, referencing comments he made about seeking international financial assistance.

Criticism of the decision to crop the image also came from journalists, with some describing it as a “terrible crop job.” Comments pointed out the implications of such adjustments and suggested that the digital team at the Pakistan PMO appeared desperate to elevate Sharif’s position in the narrative surrounding the summit.

Amidst the controversy, Prime Minister Modi’s social media account shared the complete SCO group photograph, further emphasising the discrepancies between the two portrayals. Modi’s version highlighted not only the unity of the member nations, but also provided a clear view of Sharif’s positioning in the larger diplomatic context.

Significant Events During the SCO Summit

In addition to the photograph incident, Shehbaz Sharif was noted for his behaviour at the summit, particularly his eagerness to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to reports, Sharif swiftly approached Putin after the family photograph, attempting to initiate a conversation by grabbing the Russian leader’s hand.

Contrasting this, Prime Minister Modi maintained cordial interaction with both Xi Jinping and Putin during the event. Their engagement, marked by handshakes and brief discussions, echoed a notable moment from the past SCO Summit in Tianjin, where the trio appeared relaxed and amicable.

Furthermore, PM Modi’s address at the summit touched on the issue of terrorism without naming Pakistan specifically. He underscored the need for a unified front against terrorism, insisting that no country should utilise terrorism as a tool in their strategy, and calling for a dismantling of its financing structures.

The heightening tensions between India and Pakistan over issues of cross-border terrorism have worsened diplomatic relations, especially following last year’s aggressive confrontations and India’s subsequent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Modi’s remarks at the SCO Summit reflected the ongoing complexities of India-Pakistan relations, accentuating the challenges posed by terrorism in regional stability.

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