KEY POINTS
- Both leaders discussed regional and global developments, emphasising coordination and dialogue.
- Resumption of direct flights under discussion as confidence-building measure.
- Relations recalibrating after Dhaka’s political transition post-Hasina ouster.
- Call reflects Islamabad’s broader effort to deepen pragmatic bilateral engagement.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held on Sunday a telephone conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, reviewing the state of Pakistan–Bangladesh relations and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, the Foreign Office said.
According to an official handout issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders discussed avenues to enhance bilateral engagement and agreed to remain in close contact amid evolving regional and global dynamics.
They also exchanged views on recent developments in Asia and the Middle East, underscoring the importance of coordination and dialogue in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.
DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser, H.E. Touhid Hossain.
The two leaders reviewed Pakistan–Bangladesh relations and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
They also… pic.twitter.com/lzYLEEGmmc
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 4, 2026
Recalibrating bilateral ties
The interaction comes at a time when Pakistan and Bangladesh are seeking to recalibrate ties following political changes in Dhaka after the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina last year.
Relations between the two countries had remained largely cautious during Hasina’s tenure, marked by lingering historical grievances and limited high-level engagement.
Since the change in government, both sides have signalled an interest in rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation in trade, connectivity, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
Diplomatic sources say there has been renewed momentum in bilateral contacts, with officials exploring practical steps to normalise and deepen relations.
Resuming direct air links
One such step under discussion is the resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh, which were suspended several years ago.
The restoration of air links is seen as a key confidence-building measure that could facilitate business travel, tourism, and closer cultural exchanges.
Historical ties, new momentum
Pakistan and Bangladesh, which share historical, cultural, and religious ties, established diplomatic relations in 1974.
In recent years, however, engagement remained limited, with trade volumes modest and political dialogue sporadic.
Sunday’s call reflects a broader effort by Islamabad to re-engage Dhaka in the aftermath of the political transition, as both countries look to move beyond past tensions and focus on pragmatic cooperation in a shifting regional landscape.
