NEW YORK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in trade, regional connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the discussion was “warm and cordial,” with both leaders reviewing the state of bilateral relations and exploring ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, regional connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Prime Minister underlined Islamabad’s intent to pursue “constructive and forward-looking ties with Bangladesh, rooted in mutual respect, trust, and shared aspirations of regional peace and prosperity.”
The Bangladeshi Chief Adviser, for his part, appreciated Pakistan’s initiative to deepen engagement and stressed the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and cultural linkages.
Dar’s Visit Set the Tone
The New York meeting took place less than a month after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar traveled to Dhaka, marking the first such visit by a Pakistani foreign minister in 13 years. His trip was widely viewed as a significant step in reviving a relationship that had long remained dormant.
During the visit, both sides agreed to resume direct flights between Karachi and Dhaka, a move expected to boost trade, investment, and tourism. They also set an ambitious $1 billion bilateral trade target, with the dormant Joint Economic Commission scheduled to reconvene later this year to finalise frameworks for economic cooperation.
Expanding Cooperation
In Cairo last December, during the D-8 Summit, Prime Minister Sharif and Chief Adviser Yunus had already underlined the potential of deepening economic ties. Sharif thanked Dhaka for recent steps easing trade and travel, including the removal of special inspections for Pakistani consignments and passengers. He stressed Pakistan’s interest in boosting trade in sectors such as chemicals, cement clinker, surgical and leather goods, and IT.
Both sides have also launched the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, offering 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students over the next five years, including 125 in medical studies. Training for 100 Bangladeshi civil servants will be arranged under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme.
Regional Outlook
The two leaders acknowledged the role of cultural and sporting exchanges in building goodwill, noting recent visits different delegations. They also agreed to forge closer cooperation in multilateral forums such as the D-8.
In a further sign of engagement, Pakistan launched the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, offering 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students over the next five years, including 125 seats in medical studies. In addition, training programmes for 100 Bangladeshi civil servants will be arranged under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme.
Analysts note that as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) remains largely inactive, renewed Pakistan–Bangladesh dialogue could inject momentum into regional cooperation.
Officials in Islamabad described the Sharif–Yunus meeting as a continuation of this outreach, reflecting the commitment of both countries “to work together for the well-being of their people and stability of South Asia.”
