Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to visit Bangladesh next month, the first such visit in over a decade, indicating improved relations post-Hasina. Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim leader, will reciprocate with a visit to Islamabad. Significant diplomatic changes, including lifted export restrictions and visa policies, suggest evolving ties amidst recent political upheaval.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Bangladesh next month, marking the first official visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in over ten years. This trip signifies a warming of relations between Dhaka and Islamabad following the recent political upheaval that resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The last visit by a Pakistani foreign minister was in 2012, when Hina Rabbani Khar invited Hasina to the D-8 summit.
During a press conference in Islamabad, Foreign Minister Dar confirmed his trip to Dhaka, set for February, at the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart. Dar also announced that Bangladesh’s interim government leader, Muhammad Yunus, accepted an invitation to visit Islamabad. Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh had been tense throughout Hasina’s 16 years in power, partly because of her alliance with India, which viewed Hasina favorably in regional security matters.
Following Hasina’s ouster last year, there have been notable advancements in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, including several high-level exchanges. Bangladesh has eased constraints on Pakistani exports, fostering an increase in bilateral trade, and has commenced direct maritime trade with Pakistan. Dar referred to Bangladesh as a “brother country” during the press conference, expressing Pakistan’s readiness to extend any necessary support to Dhaka.
Moreover, there was a significant policy change regarding visa applications for Pakistani citizens; Bangladesh has removed the previous requirement for security clearance, which was perceived as a barrier. With this revision, Pakistanis can now obtain visas more easily, a development that could have implications for regional security.
The recent diplomatic maneuvers come amidst deteriorating relations between India and Bangladesh following Hasina’s fall from power. She is currently in exile in India since fleeing the country after violent protests. Under the interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus, tensions have escalated, particularly related to attacks on minority communities and the detention of Hindu figures. The interim government has requested Hasina’s return and has withdrawn her diplomatic passport, reflecting the continuing upheaval in the region.
The upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh symbolizes a notable shift in diplomatic relations, benefiting from the recent political changes within Bangladesh. The removal of barriers regarding visa applications for Pakistanis suggests a commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. Overall, these developments point towards an evolving dynamic in South Asian geopolitics, particularly given the historical complexities between Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
