MM Report
DHAKA: Minister for Planning, development and special initiatives Ahsan Iqbal paid a courtesy call on outgoing Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday, in a meeting that signaled a renewed push to steady and strengthen ties between Islamabad and Dhaka.
The talks, held at the official residence in Dhaka, were described by officials as cordial and forward-looking. Both sides explored ways to expand cooperation in development planning, regional connectivity and economic collaboration, at a time when South Asia’s political landscape continues to evolve. The discussions took place against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical alignments and growing emphasis on regional self-reliance.
Iqbal was in Dhaka to attend the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected Bangladesh prime minister Tarique Rahman, a visit seen by diplomats as part of a broader effort to re-engage at the highest levels. His presence at the ceremony was viewed as a symbolic gesture of goodwill, signaling Islamabad’s willingness to open a new chapter in relations.
During the meeting, Iqbal conveyed Pakistan’s desire to deepen engagement across multiple sectors, particularly in trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. He said the relationship should be anchored in mutual respect and shared interests, while acknowledging the historical sensitivities that have long shaped bilateral ties.
Addressing the Bangladeshi leadership, the minister said Pakistan regarded Bangladesh as a brotherly nation and would stand by it in the face of any challenge. “We will face any threat together,” he said, framing the relationship in terms of solidarity and cooperation rather than rivalry.
Professor Yunus welcomed the visit and stressed the importance of sustained dialogue in addressing regional concerns. He highlighted economic resilience and collaborative development strategies as essential tools for confronting common challenges, including climate vulnerability and poverty. The meeting ended with both sides expressing cautious optimism about the direction of relations, with officials indicating that further ministerial and technical engagements were likely in the months ahead.
