Pakistan and Bangladesh are forging a revitalized partnership, marked by a historic visit from Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, to Dhaka in August 2025. The first such high-level bilateral visit in 13 years, it signals a thaw in relations and opens doors to mutual benefits in trade, education, culture, and regional stability. By prioritizing a people-centric approach and signing key agreements, Pakistan is positioning itself to gain economically, diplomatically, and culturally while strengthening South Asian cooperation through SAARC.
Economic Gains Through Trade and Connectivity
One of Pakistan’s biggest wins from closer ties with Bangladesh lies in the economic sphere. The two nations signed six agreements and MoUs during Dar’s visit, including a Joint Working Group on Trade and visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders. These steps aim to boost bilateral trade, which stood at approximately $865 million in FY2024–25, with Bangladesh exporting $78 million. The resumption of direct sea cargo routes between Karachi and Chattogram in November 2024 has already cut transit times and costs, with plans for direct flights by October 2025 further enhancing connectivity.
For Pakistan, this means access to Bangladesh’s growing market, particularly in textiles and agriculture, where both nations can complement each other. The MoU between Pakistan’s Halal Authority and Bangladesh’s Standard and Testing Institution also paves the way for expanded halal trade, a sector where Pakistan has significant expertise. By fostering economic cooperation, Pakistan can diversify its export markets and reduce reliance on traditional partners, strengthening its economic resilience.
Educational and Cultural Soft Power
Pakistan is leveraging education and culture to deepen ties, reaping long-term benefits through soft power. The “Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor” initiative offers 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students over five years, with 25% allocated to medical education. Additionally, Pakistan will train 100 Bangladeshi civil servants, fostering goodwill among future leaders. These efforts position Pakistan as a hub for educational exchange, enhancing its influence in Bangladesh’s academic and professional circles.
Culturally, Pakistan’s music and drama enjoy a massive following in Bangladesh, with artists like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam drawing huge crowds. The Cultural Exchange Program MoU formalizes these ties, encouraging frequent exchanges in arts, sports, and media. Pakistan’s offer to train Bangladesh’s hockey team and reciprocal cricket team visits further amplify people-to-people connections. These cultural bridges not only boost Pakistan’s image but also create a foundation for enduring fraternal ties, countering historical tensions from 1971.
Diplomatic Neutrality and Political Goodwill
Pakistan’s non-partisan approach to Bangladesh’s internal politics is a strategic advantage. Unlike India’s perceived favoritism toward the ousted Awami League government, Pakistan has engaged with all major Bangladeshi political factions, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP). This neutrality ensures Pakistan’s relations remain stable regardless of who governs Bangladesh after the February 2026 elections.
By meeting leaders like BNP’s Khaleda Zia and Jamaat’s Shafiqur Rahman, Dar reinforced Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive diplomacy. This approach builds trust across Bangladesh’s political spectrum, positioning Pakistan as a reliable partner. The goodwill generated can translate into stronger diplomatic support on regional and international issues, such as the Palestine and Rohingya crises, where both nations share aligned views.
Reviving SAARC for Regional Influence
A revitalized South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s strategy, and Bangladesh’s foundational role in SAARC makes it a key ally. Both nations expressed strong support for SAARC’s revival during Dar’s visit, seeing it as vital for South Asia’s peace, stability, and progress. For Pakistan, a functional SAARC enhances its regional influence, countering India’s pivot to alternative forums like BIMSTEC.
A stronger SAARC could facilitate regional trade, connectivity, and cooperation on shared challenges like climate change. Pakistan’s leadership in pushing for SAARC’s revival, backed by Bangladesh’s enthusiasm, positions it to shape South Asia’s geopolitical landscape. This alignment not only strengthens bilateral ties but also amplifies Pakistan’s voice in regional diplomacy.
Navigating Challenges for Long-Term Gains
While the interim government in Bangladesh limits immediate commitments, Pakistan’s forward-looking approach mitigates risks. By focusing on people-centric initiatives—like scholarships, cultural exchanges, and medical aid for 40 Bangladeshis injured in 2024 protests—Pakistan is building grassroots support that transcends political changes. Addressing historical 1971 issues, raised by some Bangladeshi leaders, remains a challenge, but Pakistan’s stance that these were settled in 1974 and 2002 allows it to focus on future-oriented cooperation.
Why This Matters for Pakistan
The benefits for Pakistan are clear: enhanced trade opportunities, a stronger cultural and educational footprint, diplomatic goodwill, and a louder voice in South Asia through SAARC. By maintaining a neutral, inclusive approach, Pakistan ensures these gains endure beyond Bangladesh’s interim government. For Pakistani businesses, students, and artists, this opens new markets and platforms. For the government, it’s a chance to cement Pakistan as a key player in a stable, prosperous South Asia.
