Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, has reached Dhaka for a two-day official visit. This is his first trip to Bangladesh as foreign minister and the highest-level Pakistani visit in more than a decade. The last such visit was by Hina Rabbani Khar in 2012. After thirteen long years, the two countries are once again engaging at the top level. The visit is both symbolic and practical. It carries hope that the two nations can move beyond the shadows of the past and open a fresh chapter of cooperation.
History and the Weight of the Past
Pakistan and Bangladesh share a difficult history. The painful memories of 1971 and decades of mistrust shaped their relations. Diplomatic ties were established in 1974 but progress was often slow. During Sheikh Hasina’s long rule, the relationship remained tense. High-level visits were rare, and barriers in trade, culture and defense persisted.
That changed in 2024. A political transition in Dhaka created new space for dialogue. The interim government signaled a more balanced foreign policy. Trade restrictions were eased. Maritime routes reopened. Defense contacts restarted, though on a limited scale. Against this backdrop, Ishaq Dar’s visit comes at the right moment.
What Pakistan Wants
Pakistan enters this new phase with clear goals. The first is to normalize relations and create a base for regular cooperation. Agreements are expected in areas like anti-narcotics, anti-human trafficking, cultural exchange and economic collaboration.
Trade and investment are also a priority. Both countries are re-establishing direct shipping and preparing to restore air connectivity. Discussions are taking place on reviving a Joint Economic or Trade Commission. For Pakistani exporters, Bangladesh is an important market. For Bangladesh, Pakistan remains a source of raw materials and a growing consumer market.
Defense cooperation is another area. The visit is likely to strengthen dialogue on counterterrorism, regional stability and joint training. This builds trust between the armed forces, which had little contact for years.
A Shift in Pakistan’s Policy
This trip also reflects a quiet shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy. For a long time, ties with Bangladesh were not a priority. Focus remained on India, Afghanistan and China. But Islamabad now sees that stability in South Asia needs broader engagement.
By reaching out to Dhaka, Pakistan is looking to diversify partnerships and strengthen its voice in regional forums such as SAARC and the OIC. It is also part of a wider push for economic connectivity across South Asia, where trade and development can link countries more closely together.
Why It Matters for Bangladesh
For Bangladesh, the reset with Pakistan brings new options. It allows Dhaka to reduce overreliance on any single partner. It also opens fresh opportunities for investment, trade and cultural exchange. For Pakistan, the re-engagement helps rewrite old narratives and expand its role in the region.
Both countries are large Muslim-majority nations with strong potential. If they move past old disputes, they can shape the politics and economics of South Asia in meaningful ways.
The Road Ahead
The visit is a breakthrough but challenges remain. History cannot be erased, and the events of 1971 still influence public opinion in Bangladesh. Building trust will take patience, dialogue and consistent follow-up.
Yet the mood today is different. For the first time in years, Pakistan and Bangladesh are speaking about opportunities, not differences. Ishaq Dar’s visit shows that both sides are ready to look ahead. If this spirit continues, it could lay the foundation for stronger economic links, better security cooperation and a healthier South Asian neighborhood.
