Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has held talks with top Bangladeshi officials and politicians, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations.
The visit, described as “historic” by Islamabad, aims to reset relations between the two South Asian nations amid Dhaka’s fraying ties with India. Dar’s visit comes days after the two nations reportedly eased visa restrictions for travel between them.
During the talks, the two sides discussed ways to promote economic and commercial cooperation, with a special focus on enhancing trade and promoting connectivity. Pakistan and Bangladesh are expected to sign several agreements, including on trade, on Sunday.
The two countries began sea trade last year, expanding government-to-government commerce in February. “The two sides discussed ways to promote economic and commercial cooperation, with a special focus on enhancing trade and promoting connectivity,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
There are also plans to begin direct Dhaka-Karachi flights, with local carriers seeking approvals.
The direct maritime link between Pakistan and Bangladesh, launched in October 2024, has already facilitated the shipment of over 1,000 containers, reducing transit times by 50%.
This route eliminates the need for transshipment, offering a more efficient and reliable solution for importers and exporters.
The top Pakistani diplomat met Bangladeshi political delegates, including those from the Jamaat-e-Islami party, which opposed the breakup of Pakistan to establish Bangladesh in 1971.
“We discussed how to further enhance relations with the brotherly Muslim state [Pakistan] in the coming days and how to make the regional alliance [South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation] more active and stronger,” Jamaat-e-Islami’s deputy leader Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said.
Pakistan’s military was accused of widespread atrocities during the 1971 war, when East Pakistan broke away to form Bangladesh.
Hundreds of thousands were killed, and many in Dhaka still demand Islamabad apologize for the killings. After 1971, Bangladesh leaned heavily on India, which almost encircles the country of 170 million people.
However, Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has demanded that India hand back Sheikh Hasina, who continues to refuse to attend her trial on charges amounting to crimes against humanity.
Dar will also meet Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus. The two countries are working towards strengthening their relationship, with plans to set up joint commissions to boost trade and investment.
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Business Council, aimed at enhancing bilateral trade.