Pakistan, Bangladesh vow to work for regional peace, stability

Dhaka: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal called on newly elected Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka today and invited him to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient date.  

On this occasion, the two leaders discussed avenues to reinvigorate bilateral relations and enhance regional cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and working together for regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity. 

The Planning Minister emphasized the need to revive SAARC to promote regional connectivity and advance a shared geo-economic vision for South Asia.

He noted that South Asia has remained one of the least integrated regions due to historical conflicts, and underscored that Pakistan and Bangladesh, through mutual collaboration, can help pave the way for a more integrated and economically vibrant South Asia.

Ahsan Iqbal proposed the establishment of a "Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor" to strengthen academic, research and technological collaboration.

He informed the Prime Minister that the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan would be directed to visit Bangladesh to explore twin-university agreements and promote student and faculty exchange programmes.

Ahsan Iqbal stressed that youth exchange is crucial for building long-term partnerships and announced enhanced academic cooperation, including scholarship opportunities. He shared that 500 scholarships have been allocated, with 75 students already proceeding to Pakistan for higher education.

Both sides also discussed collaboration between institutions including the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, National Database and Registration Authority, and their Bangladeshi counterparts to exchange expertise in data systems, digital governance, and institutional capacity building.

The Minister further highlighted opportunities for cooperation in SMEs and cottage industries, noting that by leveraging their combined populations, Pakistan and Bangladesh can secure a greater share in global markets for technology-enabled services, manufacturing, and production of goods.

Expanding direct flight operations and improving connectivity were also discussed as important steps to facilitate trade, tourism, business-to-business engagement, and people-to-people contacts.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal also proposed revival of the Iqbal Academy and suggested joint celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal next year, as a symbol of shared intellectual and cultural heritage.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal represented the Prime Minister of Pakistan at the oath-taking ceremony and conveyed warm congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his election.

He extended best wishes for the peace, progress and prosperity of Bangladesh under his leadership.