Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has arrived in Dhaka on a two-day official visit, marking the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister in nearly 13 years. His schedule includes meetings with Bangladeshi officials, academics, and civil society members, with major talks set to take place with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Tauhid Hossain. Both nations are expected to sign several agreements focusing on trade, investment, connectivity, and bilateral cooperation. Ishaq Dar will also meet Dr Muhammad Yunus, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami during his stay.
First Visit in Over a Decade
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Dhaka shortly after 2pm on Saturday on a special flight, received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam. This marks the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in nearly 13 years.
Two-Day Official Program
Earlier in the morning, Ishaq Dar departed for Dhaka on a special flight for his two-day official visit. On the first day, the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka organized a reception where he will meet Bangladeshi academics, politicians, and members of civil society.
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Key Diplomatic Talks Scheduled
On Sunday, the second day of his visit, Ishaq Dar’s main engagement will be with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Tauhid Hossain. Their talks will begin with a one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level discussions. Diplomatic sources expect that five to six agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) may be signed between the two countries. The discussions are set to focus on:
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Business and investment opportunities
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Connectivity and trade routes
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Facilitating people-to-people movement
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Strengthening overall bilateral relations
Strengthening Bangladesh-Pakistan Relations
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this visit represents an important milestone in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. Bangladesh, on its part, aims to move forward in building relations based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared interests. However, diplomats caution that meaningful progress will require addressing outstanding bilateral issues.
Calls and Political Meetings
Apart from official talks, Ishaq Dar’s visit also includes several high-profile meetings:
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A courtesy visit to Dr Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government
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A meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence
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Engagements with leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami
Source: Dhaka Tribune
