ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has extended an official invitation to Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient date, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.
Representing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iqbal met Rahman in Dhaka following his oath-taking ceremony and conveyed warm congratulations on his election.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed avenues to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance regional cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Iqbal emphasised the need to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to improve regional connectivity and advance a shared geo-economic vision for South Asia, noting that longstanding conflicts have made the region one of the least integrated in the world.He also proposed establishing a “Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor” aimed at promoting academic, research and technological collaboration.
The minister informed the Bangladeshi premier that Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) would explore twin-university agreements and encourage student and faculty exchanges.
Iqbal announced that 500 scholarships have been allocated for Bangladeshi students, with 75 already enrolled in Pakistani institutions.The meeting also focused on enhancing institutional cooperation between organisations such as the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), NADRA and their Bangladeshi counterparts to exchange expertise in data systems, digital governance and capacity building.
Both sides explored opportunities for collaboration in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), cottage industries and trade, including the possibility of launching direct flight operations to strengthen connectivity.
Iqbal further proposed reviving the Iqbal Academy and suggested holding joint celebrations for the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal next year to highlight shared cultural and intellectual heritage.The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and working together to promote regional peace, stability and prosperity.
