Pakistani FM Ishaq Dar Visits Dhaka After 13 Years | New Chapter in Pakistan-Bangladesh Ties

Pakistani Foreign Minister’s Visit to Dhaka Marks Renewal of Ties After 13 Years

ISLAMABAD / DHAKA: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reached Dhaka on Saturday for a two-day official visit, becoming the first Pakistani foreign minister in 13 years to travel to Bangladesh. The Foreign Office termed the trip a “significant milestone” in efforts to reset relations between the two South Asian neighbours.

A Long Gap in High-Level Contacts

The last such visit took place in 2012, after which political sensitivities and strained ties put bilateral exchanges largely on hold. Over the years, both countries have kept diplomatic channels open but struggled to move beyond the baggage of history. Analysts say this long pause at the top political level highlighted the difficulties in building a consistent partnership.

Focus of the Visit

Dar’s agenda includes meetings with senior Bangladeshi leadership and signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering areas of trade, culture, and security cooperation. Local Bangladeshi media has reported that the agreements under discussion are designed to give fresh momentum to economic relations, which have remained underdeveloped despite the potential of both markets.

The visit also comes in the backdrop of an earlier understanding between Islamabad and Dhaka to allow visa-free entry for diplomats and to deepen collaboration on counterterrorism and regional security. This has been seen as an early sign of thaw in relations.

Building on Positive Signals

In recent months, both governments have exchanged warm public messages. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the “steady improvement” in bilateral ties, while Dhaka too has expressed readiness to expand cooperation, particularly in trade and climate resilience.

For Pakistan, Bangladesh’s growing economy and its strategic position in South Asia make it an important partner. At the same time, for Dhaka, improving ties with Islamabad may help balance its foreign policy in a region where relations with India and China often dominate the agenda.

Why the Visit Matters

Observers note that while no dramatic breakthroughs are expected overnight, the symbolism of the visit itself carries weight. It signals Islamabad’s intent to look beyond historical differences and explore practical areas of collaboration. Issues such as climate change, food security, regional trade routes, and people-to-people exchanges are expected to feature prominently in the discussions.

The Foreign Office in Islamabad described the trip as “a step towards building a future-oriented relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh.”

Looking Ahead

Diplomatic experts believe that if follow-up steps are implemented, the visit could pave the way for more frequent political exchanges, easier travel, and stronger economic linkages. Some also suggest that Pakistan’s outreach to Dhaka is part of a broader regional strategy to rebuild ties with neighbouring countries at a time when South Asia faces multiple crises—from climate-induced disasters to economic pressures.

This visit is not just about signing agreements but about rebuilding trust after years of distance. Whether it succeeds will depend on the political will in both capitals to sustain momentum beyond photo opportunities.