Exploring the avenues of cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh

Since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina regime on 5 August 2024, the new interim government, led by Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus, has shown a political will to better relations with Pakistan. Since the genesis of Bangladesh in 1971, the bilateral relationship between the estranged brothers has seen many ups and downs.

The relations reached a historic low in 2016 as a result of the execution of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) politicians. BJI politicians were sentenced for their pro-Pakistani stance in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. The historical trend shows an intense milieu when the pro-Indian party Awami League is in power. The Awami League-India nexus has always been a geopolitical challenge for Pakistan. With Awami League out of the equation, there is hope for improved relations with Bangladesh.

There are sufficient indicators of goodwill prevailing on both sides. In November 2024, the first cargo ship docked in Chattogram since the inception of Bangladesh. A direct maritime route has been launched between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Previously, the cargo ships had to pass through third ports like Singapore or Malaysia before reaching Pakistan. The maritime route will not only improve economic relations but will also save time and money. Bangladesh has also lifted the mandatory 100 percent physical inspection of Pakistani goods. Islamabad has also announced scholarships for Bengali students in Pakistan to foster strong ties with Bangladesh. Pakistan will give scholarships to 300 Bengali students under the umbrella of Pakistan-Bangladesh Scholarships Program. The foreign ministry of Pakistan has announced that Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will take a landmark trip to Dhaka, hinting at the warming ties between Dhaka and Islamabad. Ishaq Dar will be the first foreign minister to visit Dhaka since 2012.

Pakistan’s finance minister attends funeral of Aga Khan IV in Portugal

Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb (right), offers his condolences to Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V in
Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb attended the funeral ceremony of the late Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV on Saturday in Lisbon, Portugal, according to an official statement.

The ceremony at the Ismaili Center in Lisbon was attended by over 300 guests, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and former Spanish King Juan Carlos I.

The late Aga Khan, who led the global Ismaili community for nearly seven decades, passed away earlier this week at the age of 88. His death was announced by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili religious community.
Following his passing, his eldest son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, 53, was named the Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the community, in accordance with his father’s will.
“Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, attended the funeral of the late Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, in Lisbon, Portugal,” said the statement from Pakistan’s foreign office.
“During the meeting with Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, the Minister conveyed condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan,” it added.
Aurangzeb lauded the late Aga Khan’s contributions to philanthropy and development, describing his passing as a monumental loss not only for his family and followers but also for underprivileged people worldwide. He also recalled Prince Karim Aga Khan’s special attachment to Pakistan and its people.

The AKDN, founded by the late Ismaili leader, has been instrumental in various development projects in Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions.

Initiatives such as the Aga Khan Rural Support Program have focused on poverty alleviation, health care, education and cultural preservation, significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of these areas.
The Ismaili community in Pakistan, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, has benefited from these initiatives, which have also had a positive impact on the national economy through improved infrastructure and human development.
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV will be laid to rest during a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt, on Sunday.