Ishaq Dar makes historic visit to Dhaka after 13 years

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Dhaka on Saturday, beginning a landmark two-day visit that marked the first official trip by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in 13 years. His visit signals a renewed momentum in Pakistan-Bangladesh ties, which have warmed since last year’s political changes in Dhaka.

A significant diplomatic milestone

The Foreign Office described Dar’s trip from August 23–24 as “historic,” noting the importance of resuming high-level exchanges between the two countries. He was received in Dhaka by Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider, Bangladesh’s envoy to Pakistan Muhammad Iqbal Khan, and officials from the Pakistan High Commission.

The visit comes amid improved relations following the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August last year. Since then, Islamabad and Dhaka have sought to deepen cooperation across trade, culture, and diplomacy.

Key meetings with Bangladeshi leadership

During his stay, Dar is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. He will also meet Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain and Adviser for Commerce SK Bashir Uddin. According to the Foreign Office, discussions will cover bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global matters of shared concern.

Bangladeshi media reported that the two sides are expected to sign four to five memorandums of understanding. These will likely focus on trade, culture, media collaboration, training, and travel. A senior official from Bangladesh’s foreign ministry emphasized that these agreements would pave the way for stronger institutional links.

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Political engagements with local parties

Dar also met representatives of Bangladesh’s political parties. He received a delegation from the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its General Secretary Akhtar Hossain. Dar praised the NCP’s vision for reform and social justice and encouraged deeper engagement between the youth of both countries.

The delegation briefed him on the political mobilization in Bangladesh during 2024. Both sides agreed on exploring opportunities for cultural exchanges to build stronger people-to-people ties.

In another engagement, Dar met with Jamaat-i-Islami leaders, led by Naib Amir Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher. Their talks focused on enhancing Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and reviewing regional developments. The Foreign Office noted that Dar acknowledged the resilience of Jamaat leaders and activists despite political challenges.

Revival of high-level visits

Dar’s visit is the first by a Pakistani foreign minister since Hina Rabbani Khar’s brief trip in November 2012. At that time, Khar visited Dhaka to invite then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina to a regional summit in Islamabad. Since then, diplomatic exchanges had remained limited until recent months.

This year, Islamabad and Dhaka have resumed structured talks. Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch traveled to Bangladesh in April for Foreign Office Consultations, marking the first such engagement in 15 years. Last month, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also visited Dhaka, where both sides agreed to grant visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic and official passports.

Strengthening trade and economic ties

Trade has been a central theme in the improving relationship. Earlier this year, the two countries began direct government-to-government trade, starting with Pakistan’s import of 50,000 tonnes of rice from Bangladesh. The development marked the first such deal in years and created momentum for broader cooperation.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan also visited Dhaka recently, where he held talks with Bangladesh’s advisers on commerce and industries. Both countries are now working to set up a joint working group on trade. The group will focus on enhancing market access, reducing barriers, and exploring new areas of cooperation.

Additionally, Fly Jinnah received approval to operate flights between Karachi and Dhaka. The move is expected to boost connectivity, tourism, and business exchanges between the two nations.

Looking ahead

Dar’s trip comes at a critical moment when both Islamabad and Dhaka are actively working to rebuild ties after years of limited engagement. The renewed push reflects a recognition that cooperation in trade, travel, and diplomacy can benefit both sides.

For Pakistan, the visit underscores its commitment to strengthening relations with South Asian neighbors and broadening its regional outreach. For Bangladesh, engaging with Islamabad provides opportunities to diversify partnerships and expand economic links.

The outcome of Dar’s meetings in Dhaka will likely shape the next phase of cooperation. If the expected agreements are signed, both countries will take concrete steps toward a more structured and enduring partnership.