Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has expressed hope for deeper collaboration with Bangladesh across economic, political, and cultural spheres, signalling renewed efforts by both nations to strengthen bilateral ties.
Speaking as the chief guest at a reception marking the 54th National and Independence Day of Bangladesh, Asif said Islamabad values its relationship with Dhaka and looks forward to expanding cooperation in multiple sectors.
The event, held on Friday, was hosted by Bangladesh High Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Khan, Geo News reported on Saturday.
The minister’s remarks come in the wake of the recent revival of high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
On April 17, Bangladesh and Pakistan held Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) at the foreign secretary level in Dhaka—the first such talks in nearly 15 years.
Highlighting the importance of historical and people-to-people connections, Asif noted that both governments are actively exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation.
“We value our relations with Bangladesh and look forward to deepening our engagement in various sectors,” he said.
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner also echoed the sentiment, emphasising his country’s commitment to maintaining strong, friendly ties with Pakistan, and calling for greater mutual understanding and collaboration.
The diplomatic reception was attended by several federal ministers, members of the diplomatic community, and representatives of civil society.
During the recent FOC in Dhaka, Foreign Secretaries Jashim Uddin of Bangladesh and Amna Baloch of Pakistan discussed a wide range of bilateral matters, with trade emerging as a central focus.
Dhaka reportedly raised long-standing unresolved issues, including a call for a formal apology from Islamabad over the 1971 war and a demand for USD 4.3 billion as Bangladesh’s share of pre-independence joint assets.
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These discussions took place amid a tentative diplomatic thaw, reportedly facilitated by a change in leadership in Dhaka following the departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar postponed his planned visit to Bangladesh, originally scheduled for April 27–28, due to rising tensions with India following the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
