Staff Reporter :
Dhaka and Islamabad have expressed satisfaction with the recent growth in bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening relations, as multilateral engagements between the two nations continue to expand.
The developments were discussed during a meeting between the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, and Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Md. Jashim Uddin, held on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the discussions, both sides also exchanged views on regional issues, particularly against the backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the killing of tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the constructive dialogue and the successful conclusion of the sixth round of Foreign Secretary-Level Bilateral Consultations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, held on 17 April 2025 in Dhaka. They described the event as a positive step towards deepening bilateral cooperation.
Emphasising the importance of continued follow-up, both sides called for further work by the relevant authorities on the areas and issues identified during the consultations, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Pakistani High Commissioner also briefed the Foreign Secretary on broader regional developments. Additionally, he highlighted the ongoing visit to Bangladesh by a high-level Pakistani business delegation, which is focused on promoting specific products, alongside participation in the Bangladesh-Pakistan Business Forum currently underway in Dhaka.
Both sides expressed optimism regarding the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, to Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.
Originally, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was scheduled to undertake a two-day official visit to Dhaka from 27 April; however, the visit was postponed at the last minute amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan related to the Kashmir incident.
Commenting on the postponement, the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka stated, “Owing to unforeseen circumstances, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan was unable to undertake the visit to Bangladesh on 27-28 April. The new dates for the visit will be finalised through mutual consultation.”
