Dar Begins First Pakistan-Bangladesh FM Visit in 13 Years

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar began a historic two-day visit to Dhaka on Saturday, marking the first Pakistan-Bangladesh FM visit in 13 years. The Foreign Office described the trip as a “significant milestone” in efforts to reset ties.

Dar Meets Bangladeshi Leadership in Dhaka

During his visit from August 23–24, Dar will hold meetings with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Adviser for Foreign Affairs Touhid Hossain. Talks will cover the full range of bilateral relations, regional challenges, and new agreements on trade. Officials in Islamabad say the visit signals Pakistan’s intent to build a forward-looking partnership with Dhaka after years of limited engagement.

Jam Kamal Khan Pushes Trade Cooperation Ahead of FM Visit

Ahead of Dar’s arrival, Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan boosted trade diplomacy in Dhaka and Chittagong. He met Adviser for Commerce Sheikh Bashir Uddin, where both sides agreed to revive the Joint Economic Commission (JEC), set up a Joint Trade Commission, and form a Joint Working Group on Trade to develop targets and strategies.

Kamal also met food sector officials and highlighted Pakistan’s delivery of 50,000 MT of rice under the January 2025 MoU. He invited Bangladesh to join the FoodAg 2025 exhibition in Karachi this November. In Chittagong, the minister engaged with port authorities, ship-breakers, and business leaders who stressed the need for direct flights, improved shipping, and digital trade systems.

Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

Pakistan and Bangladesh are exploring partnerships in agriculture, renewable energy, shipbuilding, textiles, halal trade, and technology. Both sides also discussed trilateral trade with Africa and Central Asia. The momentum follows recent steps such as direct sea trade, visa-free travel for diplomats, and plans to restore direct air links.

Shared Commitment to Reset Ties

With Dar’s high-level talks and Jam Kamal’s trade-focused diplomacy, Islamabad and Dhaka appear ready to reset ties. Officials on both sides call this wave of engagement a turning point that could strengthen political, economic, and people-to-people connections.