Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday called for stronger cooperation with Bangladesh in trade, education, and regional development during his historic visit to Dhaka.

Addressing officials at a reception hosted by the Pakistan High Commission, Dar said, “The people of Pakistan and Bangladesh share deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical bonds. We are committed to enhancing these ties and working together for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.”

He stressed the importance of joint initiatives to tackle climate change, security threats, and other emerging challenges, while underscoring Pakistan’s support for a more active SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) to promote regional development.

Dar arrived in Dhaka on a two-day official visit, marking the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in 13 years.**

Dar, who will stay in Dhaka from August 23 to 24 at the invitation of the Bangladeshi government, was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Muhammad Iqbal Khan, and other senior officials.

According to the Foreign Office, the visit reflects the improving trajectory of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and is being described as “historic.”

The last such visit was made in November 2012 by then foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar.

During his stay, Dar is scheduled to meet Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Adviser on Foreign Affairs Muhammad Touhid Hossain, and Adviser on Commerce S.K. Bashiruddin.

The meetings will cover all aspects of bilateral cooperation, along with regional and international issues.

The Foreign Office has said that four to five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed in areas including trade, culture, media, training, and travel facilitation.

These agreements are aimed at deepening long-term cooperation between the two countries.

Ishaq Dar holds talks with political leaders

Earlier, Dar held a meeting with a delegation of the National Citizen Party led by General Secretary Akhtar Hussain.

He appreciated the party’s reformist outlook and vision for social justice, emphasising the need to strengthen youth-to-youth connections between the two countries.

Cultural exchange opportunities were also discussed.

Separately, the Deputy Prime Minister met with a delegation of Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami, led by Deputy Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Tahir.

The discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh ties and reviewing recent regional developments. Dar praised the resilience and courage of the Jamaat leadership and workers.

Bangladeshi media have reported that Dar’s key official meetings are scheduled for Sunday.

This diplomatic outreach comes shortly after Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal, visited Dhaka on August 20.

For decades, bilateral contact had remained limited mostly to cultural exchanges, while Bangladesh relied heavily on India.

However, the ouster of pro-India Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year, following widespread student protests, strained Dhaka’s relations with New Delhi and opened the door for renewed engagement with Islamabad.

The Foreign Office has termed Dar’s visit a “milestone,” expected to pave the way for stronger diplomatic, trade, and cultural relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.