On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Bangladesh’s Adviser on Religious Affairs, Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral relationship with Dhaka.
During their meeting in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz highlighted the shared history, culture, and faith between Pakistan and Bangladesh, which he described as the foundation for their brotherly relations. He stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation in areas like trade, academic exchanges, and people-to-people contacts.
The Prime Minister also recalled his previous meetings with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in New York and Cairo, noting Yunus’s expressed desire to deepen ties between the two nations.
Positive Momentum in Relations
PM Shehbaz expressed his satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations. He pointed to ongoing academic exchanges, growing trade and economic engagement, and closer people-to-people connections as encouraging signs of a stronger relationship.
Bangladesh High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan accompanied Dr. Khalid Hossain during the meeting.
Letter of Condolence and Support from Dhaka
Dr. Khalid Hossain presented a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif from Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. In the letter, Yunus offered condolences for the loss of lives and property caused by recent floods in Pakistan and extended Bangladesh’s offer of assistance.
The Bangladeshi adviser reaffirmed that the two countries’ brotherly relations are firmly rooted in their shared historical and religious ties.
The meeting also touched upon the early resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh to promote travel, trade, and cultural exchanges. PM Shehbaz reiterated his invitation for Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to pay an official visit to Pakistan. In return, Dr. Khalid Hossain conveyed an invitation for PM Shehbaz to visit Bangladesh.
