Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, formally invited the newly elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, to visit Pakistan at a date that is convenient for both parties, as stated in an official announcement on Monday.
The Planning Minister, acting on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, met with Rahman in Dhaka after his oath-taking ceremony and extended warm congratulations on his election.
During their discussion, both leaders explored methods to enhance bilateral relations and improve regional cooperation. Iqbal emphasized the significance of revitalizing SAARC to boost regional connectivity and promote a collective geo-economic vision for South Asia, pointing out that historical conflicts have rendered the region one of the least integrated globally.
The minister also suggested establishing a “Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor” to enhance collaboration in academia, research, and technology.
He informed the Bangladeshi prime minister that Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) would investigate twin-university agreements and facilitate exchanges of students and faculty.
Iqbal revealed that 500 scholarships have been designated for Bangladeshi students, with 75 already enrolled in educational institutions in Pakistan.
First high-level visit from Bangladesh to Pakistan
Both parties deliberated on institutional cooperation between organizations such as the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), NADRA, and their Bangladeshi equivalents to exchange expertise in data systems, digital governance, and capacity building.
They also examined opportunities for collaboration in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cottage industries, and trade, including the potential for direct flight operations to enhance connectivity.
During the meeting, Iqbal proposed the revival of the Iqbal Academy and recommended joint celebrations for the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal next year to highlight their shared cultural and intellectual heritage.
