ISLAMABAD:
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to make a historic trip to Bangladesh in February, marking the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister since 2012. This visit reflects the improving relations between the two nations following the departure of Bangladesh’s pro-Indian government in August of the previous year.
Dar confirmed his visit to Dhaka at a press briefing on Thursday, announcing that he had been invited by his Bangladeshi counterpart. He also revealed that Bangladesh’s Chief Executive, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has agreed to visit Islamabad at a mutually convenient time.
The last time a Pakistani foreign minister visited Dhaka was under Hina Rabbani Khar’s tenure when she invited Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid to the D-8 summit. Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh had been strained throughout Sheikh Hasina’s 15 years in power, largely due to her alignment with India. However, with the political shift in Bangladesh, relations have notably improved. Trade between the two countries has increased, with Bangladesh lifting restrictions on Pakistani exports and initiating direct sea trade routes.
Dar described Bangladesh as a “brother country” and assured that Pakistan would offer all possible support to Dhaka.
Addressing the resurgence of terrorism, Dar criticized the policies of the previous PTI-led government, particularly targeting former DG ISI Lt General (retd) Faiz Hameed for his controversial comments in Kabul after the Taliban’s return to power. Dar questioned how thousands of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members had been allowed to enter Pakistan and who was responsible for facilitating their return. He linked these policies to the security challenges Pakistan faces today.
Furthermore, Dar asserted that Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation had ended, citing the country’s active engagement at various bilateral and multilateral forums. He highlighted recent developments such as hosting the SCO conference and several high-level visits, which have contributed to Pakistan’s re-established global standing.
Regarding a report by The Washington Post on Indian involvement in killing foreign nationals, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s concerns about India’s role in extraterritorial killings, including in Pakistan and elsewhere. She also emphasized that Pakistan’s ports, including Gwadar, are meant solely for trade and development, and there are no intentions of providing military bases to any foreign government.
This diplomatic momentum signifies a shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy, with efforts to build stronger international relations and address internal security challenges.
