Dhaka : In a significant step toward rebuilding bilateral relations, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has completed a two-day official visit to Bangladesh, marking the first high-level Pakistani diplomatic mission to Dhaka in over 13 years. The visit underscores Islamabad’s growing interest in revitalizing ties with Bangladesh across political, economic, and cultural dimensions.
During his trip, DPM Dar met with key political stakeholders, including delegations from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). In his interactions, Dar expressed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering mutual respect and cooperation, while also stressing the importance of youth engagement and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
A key meeting with Jamaat-e-Islami leadership led by Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher focused on strengthening political and regional cooperation. Dar praised the resilience of JI members and acknowledged the shared history and challenges both countries have faced. Later, he met with NCP’s Akhtar Hossain and commended the party’s emphasis on reform and social justice. Discussions with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir were described as warm and constructive, with both sides showing interest in further dialogue.
The visit comes amid warming relations between Islamabad and Dhaka following political shifts in Bangladesh. Recent developments have included the resumption of sea trade, direct shipping routes between Karachi and Chittagong, and efforts to restore air links. Diplomatic progress has also been made with a recent agreement in principle to allow visa-free entry for diplomatic and official passport holders.
Foreign Minister Dar’s engagements also included meetings with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Adviser for Foreign Affairs Touhid Hossain. The discussions centered around formalizing agreements in trade and regional cooperation. Pakistani and Bangladeshi commerce ministers have also held recent talks on establishing joint commissions to promote investment.
Dar’s visit is widely seen as a reset in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, signaling a renewed diplomatic commitment after years of limited engagement. With shared regional concerns and growing economic opportunities, both nations appear poised to turn a new chapter in their relationship.
