After nearly 15 years, the Dhaka-Islamabad Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) is expected to take place in Dhaka this year, according to sources in Dhaka, Islamabad, and Karachi. The last bilateral consultation was held in Islamabad in 2010.
Given the changing dynamics in Bangladesh, the Dhaka-Islamabad dialogue has become increasingly significant and could elevate Bangladesh-Pakistan multilateral relations to a new level.
A senior official from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that discussions may focus on enhancing cooperation within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) framework, increasing scholarship exchanges between universities, fostering academic research, and initiating joint projects in science and technology.
Meanwhile, former Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan, Md. Ruhul Alam Siddique, served in Islamabad for four years and also held responsibilities at the Karachi mission, aiming to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
The current High Commissioner, Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Khan, is actively working to enhance social, economic, and cultural connectivity, according to sources. Another official mentioned that the upcoming talks will emphasize bilateral trade and investment, particularly easing visa procedures, improving port facilities, and addressing longstanding issues concerning stranded Pakistanis.
The trade volume between Bangladesh and Pakistan currently stands at approximately USD 800–900 million, significantly lower than the actual potential, noted a director of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).
An FBCCI leader stated, “If Bangladesh does not issue visas to Pakistani businesspeople and citizens at a reasonable pace, trade opportunities will remain limited.”
Meanwhile, a delegation from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), led by President Atif Ikram Sheikh, recently met Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser, Sheikh Bashir Uddin, at the Secretariat in Dhaka. Discussions focused on facilitating bilateral trade, easing visa procedures, launching direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan, and exploring investment opportunities.
Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin remarked, “We are working towards establishing long-term and sustainable trade relations with Pakistan.”
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh added, “Pakistani businesses are keen to expand trade and investment in Bangladesh, but visa complications and the absence of direct flights remain major hurdles.”
Additionally, the Pakistani business delegation expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh’s agriculture, education, tourism, and ceramics sectors.
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Khan announced that direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan are expected to resume within the next few months, which will strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
He further mentioned plans to introduce cargo flights linking Dhaka, Karachi, and Lahore, which would play a crucial role in boosting bilateral trade.
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi emphasized the need for closer business-to-business engagements to unlock the full potential of trade and investment between the two countries.
To enhance trade relations, business leaders from both nations have stressed the importance of bilateral discussions, trade fairs, and joint investment projects.
