Dhaka– Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Dhaka on Saturday for a two-day official visit, marking the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in 13 years. The Foreign Office (FO) termed the trip a “landmark development” in bilateral relations.
Historic Visit to Strengthen Ties
Dar’s visit comes at a time of improved relations between Islamabad and Dhaka, following last year’s political transition in Bangladesh. According to the FO, the deputy premier will hold high-level talks with Bangladeshi leadership, including Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain, and Adviser for Commerce SK Bashir Uddin.
The discussions will cover trade, regional cooperation, and international issues of mutual interest. Both sides aim to enhance economic, cultural, and media partnerships.
Agreements and Future Cooperation
The visit is expected to result in the signing of four to five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in areas such as trade, culture, media, training, and travel, a senior Bangladeshi foreign ministry official told BSS. This step reinforces Islamabad’s push to deepen engagement with Dhaka after years of limited contact.
Dar’s trip follows recent visits by other Pakistani ministers, including Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Last month, both countries agreed to grant visa-free entry to holders of diplomatic and official passports. In February, Pakistan and Bangladesh also began direct government-to-government trade with an import of 50,000 tonnes of rice.
Renewed Engagement After Long Gap
The first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister in 13 years underscores the commitment to rebuilding ties. The last official visit occurred in 2012 when Hina Rabbani Khar traveled to Dhaka to invite then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a summit in Islamabad.
Direct flights between Karachi and Dhaka are also in the pipeline, with Fly Jinnah securing necessary approvals. The establishment of a joint working group on trade is expected to further boost economic relations.
