Pakistan envoy meets President Mirza Fakhrul, discusses stronger bilateral ties

Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday, with discussions focusing on the growing momentum in bilateral relations and cooperation across several sectors.

The President welcomed the High Commissioner and thanked Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari for his congratulatory message following his assumption of office.

Responding to an invitation from Zardari to visit Pakistan, President Mirza Fakhrul said he would like to make the visit at the earliest opportunity.

Recalling the shared history, religious ties and cultural and familial connections between the peoples of Bangladesh and Pakistan, the President said these links provide a strong foundation for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.

The meeting covered cooperation in health, science and technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges, as well as pharmaceuticals, ceramics and agriculture.

Haider briefed the President on several ongoing initiatives, including growing medical tourism from Bangladesh to Pakistan. He said Pakistani health professionals are training Bangladeshi counterparts in organ transplantation to help build local capacity and reduce treatment costs for Bangladeshi patients.

Under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, around 200 Bangladeshi students have enrolled at leading Pakistani universities, while training programmes are also being arranged for Bangladeshi civil servants, he said.

The High Commissioner also highlighted growing demand for increased direct air connectivity between the two countries, including higher flight frequencies and additional routes.

President Mirza Fakhrul said improved connectivity would be important for strengthening business, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Haider said there remained significant untapped potential for bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding ties with Bangladesh across areas of mutual interest.

The two sides agreed to build on the existing momentum and further strengthen bilateral relations through closer and sustained engagement.