Dar begins Pakistan’s first FM-level visit to Bangladesh in 13 years

News Desk

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for Bangladesh on Saturday, marking the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Dhaka in 13 years.

According to the Foreign Office (FO), the two-day visit represents a “significant milestone” in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, as the last such visit took place over a decade ago.

High-level meetings

During his stay in Dhaka from August 23–24, Dar is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain. Discussions will focus on the full spectrum of bilateral ties, as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Trade and cooperation in focus

Officials indicated that a number of agreements, including those on trade, are expected to be signed during the visit. The trip comes amid warming relations between Islamabad and Dhaka, particularly following the ouster of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after a student-led uprising.

In recent months, both countries have stepped up engagement. Sea trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh commenced last year, followed by expanded government-to-government commerce earlier this year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also held multiple interactions with Professor Yunus, while Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan visited Dhaka recently and agreed to establish joint commissions to enhance trade and investment.

Military exchanges have also taken place, with senior commanders from both nations meeting in Pakistan earlier this week.

Diplomatic breakthroughs

Momentum in bilateral ties has been evident through several key developments. Last month, Pakistan and Bangladesh agreed to grant visa-free entry to holders of diplomatic and official passports. Earlier this year, both countries launched direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong, and pledged to resume direct air links.

The progress followed the 6th round of Foreign Secretary Level Consultations (FSLC), held after a 15-year gap, underscoring a renewed commitment on both sides to revitalise relations.