Pakistan, Bangladesh open fresh diplomatic chapter as DPM Dar visits Dhaka

Dhaka (Web Desk): In a move signaling the revival of long-dormant connections, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar commenced a pivotal two-day visit to Bangladesh, his first official trip there in over a decade. The visit underscores the profound historical, cultural, and religious bonds that unite the two neighboring nations.

Addressing a warm reception hosted by the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, Dar expressed gratitude for the heartfelt welcome and commended the Bangladeshi government for its gracious hospitality. He emphasized that both countries' populations share aspirations for regional stability, prosperity, and peace, while calling for collaborative action to tackle common threats such as climate change and security challenges.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, reached Dhaka on an official visit. He was received at the airport by Ambassador Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, along side Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Mr. Imran… pic.twitter.com/96oZ2Hhi9c

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 23, 2025

During his visit, Dar held productive discussions with delegations from prominent parties including the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh. These interactions revolved around enhancing bilateral ties, fostering cultural exchange, and expanding youth engagement. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s eagerness to facilitate greater youth contact and nurture a shared future through cultural diplomacy.

According to the Foreign Office, Dar is scheduled to meet with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain. Talks are expected to culminate in agreements and memorandums of understanding across trade, education, media, training, and travel facilitation.

Dar’s visit marks a historic turning point in bilateral diplomacy, following a 13-year hiatus since a high-level Pakistani visit. In 2012, then-Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar made a brief visit. Recently, Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan also visited Dhaka, sparking momentum for a bilateral working group on trade.

Noteworthy developments already underway include direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong, renewed air connectivity, and an agreement for visa-free entry for diplomatic and official passport holders. This diplomatic renewal followed the historic resumption of dialogue led by Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch earlier this year after a decade and a half pause.

Analysts hail Dar’s visit as the dawn of a new chapter—one that goes beyond diplomacy to empower economic, educational, and people-to-people engagement. The visit sets the stage for a more vibrant and integrated regional future.