Dar Lands in Bangladesh, Ends 13-Year Gap in FM Visits

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar arrived in Bangladesh on Saturday for a landmark two-day official visit, the first by a Pakistani foreign minister in 13 years. The Foreign Office hailed the trip as a “significant milestone” in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations.

Dar was warmly received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Asad Alam Siam, Pakistan’s High Commissioner, Imran Haider, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Muhammad Iqbal Khan, and senior officials.

Dar Meets Bangladeshi Leadership

During the visit, Dar will hold high-level talks with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Md. Touhid Hossain, and Adviser for Commerce, Sheikh Bashir Uddin. Discussions will span the entire spectrum of bilateral ties, regional cooperation, and potential agreements in trade and investment. Officials in Islamabad believe the visit signals a reset in ties, aiming for a forward-looking partnership after years of limited engagement.

Jam Kamal Khan Boosts Trade Diplomacy

Ahead of Dar’s arrival, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan advanced economic diplomacy in Dhaka and Chittagong. Meeting with Adviser for Commerce Sheikh Bashir Uddin, both sides agreed to revive the dormant Joint Economic Commission (JEC), establish a Joint Trade Commission, and set up a Joint Working Group on Trade to set clear targets.

Kamal also highlighted Pakistan’s delivery of 50,000 metric tons of rice to Bangladesh under a January 2025 MoU and invited Bangladeshi stakeholders to participate in FoodAg 2025 in Karachi this November. In Chittagong, he held sessions with the local chamber, ship-breaking industry, and port officials. Business leaders underscored the need for direct flights, improved shipping, and digitalised trade systems.

Expanding Areas of Cooperation

Islamabad and Dhaka are now exploring joint ventures in agriculture, renewable energy, shipbuilding, halal trade, textiles, and technology. Trilateral trade opportunities with Africa and Central Asia were also on the agenda. These steps follow recent breakthroughs, including direct sea trade, visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders, and efforts to resume direct air connectivity.

Shared Commitment to Reset Relations

With Ishaq Dar’s political engagement and Jam Kamal’s trade push, both governments appear committed to revitalising ties. Officials from both capitals describe the recent wave of diplomacy as a turning point that could strengthen political, economic, and people-to-people connections in the years ahead.