Pakistan, BD vow to deepen bilateral ties

Dar, Bangladesh envoy hold talks on sidelines of the UN two-state conference

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Bangladesh have pledged to strengthen bilateral relations after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Bangladesh's Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Touhid Hussain, on the sidelines of the International Conference on the Two-State Solution at the United Nations in New York on Monday.

This marks the fourth high-level interaction between the two countries since October 2024, indicating a renewed momentum in Pakistan-Bangladesh ties following years of strain.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing political, economic and cultural cooperation.

They also agreed to promote connectivity and people-to-people exchanges, with plans to facilitate high-level bilateral visits in the near future.

Both sides expressed deep concern over the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing Israeli military aggression against Palestinians. They underscored their unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and stressed the need for meaningful outcomes from the ongoing conference on the two-state solution.

Ties between Islamabad and Dhaka have witnessed a notable thaw since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government in August last year, which had long maintained a tough posture on Pakistan over historical grievances. The change in government in Dhaka has allowed for more pragmatic and forward-looking engagement between the two South Asian Muslim-majority nations.

Last week, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Dhaka, where he held talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Lt Gen (R) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. The two sides reached a landmark agreement to grant visa-free entry to holders of diplomatic and official passports – a move widely seen as symbolic of growing mutual trust and a step toward easing travel restrictions for future trade and official exchanges.

With regional dynamics shifting, particularly in light of China's rising influence and the decline of traditional regional groupings such as SAARC, Pakistan and Bangladesh appear to be recalibrating their foreign policy strategies.

Both countries are now exploring issue-based cooperation focused on development, trade and strategic autonomy, moving beyond historical baggage.

The recent engagements also reflect Pakistan's broader diplomatic push to reconnect with South Asian neighbours, strengthen Muslim world solidarity and project a more constructive role in regional diplomacy.

Since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government, Bangladesh's interim administration has removed restrictions on Pakistani diplomats and imports, giving a fresh impetus to bilateral ties.