Pakistan and Bangladesh Agree on Visa-Free Travel Deal

Pakistan and Bangladesh have officially signed an agreement to allow visa-free entry for diplomats and government officials from both countries. The decision was finalized after receiving approval from the Advisory Council Committee, marking an important step in improving relations between the two South Asian neighbors.

According to the agreement, individuals holding diplomatic and official passports from Pakistan and Bangladesh will now be able to travel freely between the two countries without requiring a visa. Officials confirmed that this arrangement will remain valid for the next five years.

This development is expected to make official travel much smoother and help strengthen diplomatic engagement at a higher level. Experts believe the move will also encourage greater cooperation in areas such as trade, industry, and political dialogue, paving the way for stronger ties in the future.

Alongside this agreement, both nations have also expressed their commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and industrial collaboration. The decision came during a meeting held in Dhaka between Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, and Bangladesh’s Adviser for Industries, Adilur Rahman Khan.

During the meeting, Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted Pakistan’s keen interest in becoming part of Bangladesh’s rapidly growing industrial sector. He emphasized the importance of joint ventures and mutual investments to create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Earlier, while addressing the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Commerce Minister encouraged Bangladeshi traders to consider importing a variety of Pakistani products, including cement, sugar, footwear, and leather goods. He noted that Pakistan has the capacity to supply high-quality products at competitive prices, which could benefit Bangladeshi markets.

Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have recently shown signs of improvement following political changes in Dhaka. Ties between the two countries had been strained for years due to historical and political differences, particularly under the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Sheikh Hasina, who had long been seen as close to India, was ousted in a popular revolution in August 2024. Following her removal from power, she fled to India by helicopter and has since resisted extradition requests to face charges of crimes against humanity in Bangladesh.

Analysts say that her ouster has opened new doors for Dhaka to reset its foreign relations, particularly with Pakistan. The latest visa-free travel agreement and renewed focus on trade cooperation are seen as part of this new chapter in bilateral ties.

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