Pakistan Invites Bangladesh PM for Official Visit
By Sabeeh Zanair :
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has formally invited Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Pakistan on a mutually agreed date, according to an official statement released on Monday.
Representing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iqbal met Rahman in Dhaka shortly after his oath-taking ceremony and conveyed Pakistan’s congratulations on his election victory.
During the meeting, both leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations and expanding regional cooperation across multiple sectors. Iqbal emphasised the need to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, saying that long-standing political disputes have kept South Asia among the least economically integrated regions in the world.
To promote academic and technological links, the planning minister proposed the creation of a Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, aimed at enhancing cooperation in higher education, research, and innovation. He said Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission would work towards establishing twin-university partnerships and facilitating faculty and student exchange programmes.
Iqbal also announced that Pakistan has allocated 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students, with 75 already enrolled in various Pakistani universities. He noted that increased academic interaction would help build long-term people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The two sides explored institutional collaboration between key bodies such as the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and NADRA, and their Bangladeshi counterparts. These partnerships aim to improve digital governance, data management systems, and capacity-building initiatives.
Economic cooperation was another major focus, with discussions on promoting trade, small and medium enterprises, and cottage industries. Both leaders also considered the possibility of launching direct flight operations to improve connectivity and facilitate business and tourism.
Iqbal further suggested reviving the Iqbal Academy and proposed joint celebrations for the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal next year, highlighting the shared cultural and intellectual heritage of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral engagement and working together to promote peace, economic growth, and regional stability in South Asia.
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