Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Visit Bangladesh Amid…

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Bangladesh next month, the first such visit in over a decade. This development reflects warming relations between the two countries after the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh has recently lifted restrictions on Pakistani exports and visa requirements, which could enhance bilateral trade and cooperation.

The Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh next month, marking the first visit of a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in over a decade. This visit indicates a potential thaw in relations between Dhaka and Islamabad, particularly following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August of last year. The last such visit was in 2012, when Hina Rabbani Khar traveled to Dhaka.

Speaking at a recent press conference in Islamabad, Ishaq Dar confirmed his planned visit to Dhaka in February, invited by his Bangladeshi counterpart. Dar also announced that Bangladesh’s interim government chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, will visit Islamabad at mutually agreed dates. Historically, relations between the two countries had been strained during Hasina’s 16-year leadership due to her alignment with India.

After Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh have reportedly improved. Notably, Bangladesh lifted restrictions on Pakistani exports, enhancing bilateral trade, and has initiated direct maritime trade routes. During the press conference, Dar described Bangladesh as a “brother country” and assured Pakistan’s support to Dhaka.

Further developments include Bangladesh’s decision to remove the security clearance requirement for Pakistani citizens applying for visas, a significant shift reflecting changes in the regional political climate. The move, announced shortly before a meeting between Pakistan’s high commissioner and BNP leader Khaleda Zia, contrasts sharply with the policies under Hasina.

In broader geopolitical contexts, relations between India and Bangladesh have soured since Hasina’s departure amid protests in August 2024, leading her to seek asylum in India. The new interim government under Muhammad Yunus faces challenges, including increased violence against minority groups. These dynamics have raised concerns regarding the safety and stability of the region, especially regarding India’s northeastern territories.

In summary, the impending visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh underscores the evolving diplomatic relations between the two nations following the political upheaval in Bangladesh. The recent developments, including the lifting of export restrictions and visa regulations for Pakistani citizens, point towards a budding partnership. As the interim government under Muhammad Yunus navigates complex relations with India and internal challenges, the future of Bangladesh-Pakistan ties remains pivotal.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com