Heartwarming Welcome for Ahsan Iqbal in Dhaka; Pakistan & Bangladesh Vow to Reinvigorate Ties. -

In a heartwarming display of bilateral goodwill, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal witnessed spontaneous enthusiasm from the people of Dhaka during his official visit to Bangladesh on February 17, 2026. A video shared by the Ministry of Planning captures local youth cheering as they spotted the Pakistani flag on the Minister’s car, symbolizing a renewed spirit of friendship between the two nations.

Key Highlights of the Diplomatic Visit

Oath-Taking Ceremony: Representing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Ahsan Iqbal attended the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
High-Level Meetings: The Minister held a courtesy call with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Prof. Muhammad Yunus, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the State Guest House Jamuna.
Knowledge Corridor: Iqbal proposed the establishment of a “Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor” to boost academic, research, and technological collaboration.
Educational Support: He announced that 500 scholarships have been allocated for Bangladeshi students, with 75 students already enrolled in Pakistani universities.
Regional Connectivity: Both sides discussed reviving SAARC to enhance regional integration and explored the resumption of direct flight operations to strengthen people-to-people contacts.
Cultural Ties: Iqbal suggested reviving the Iqbal Academy and proposed joint celebrations for the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal in 2027 to honor shared cultural heritage.

This visit marks a significant shift toward a “forward-looking chapter” in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, driven by mutual respect and a shared vision for a prosperous South Asia.

Disclaimer: This content is shared for informational and awareness purposes based on available reports and social media updates. The background images used are for reference and illustrative purposes only. For official diplomatic updates, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or official government channels.