"Bangladesh is our lost brother," says Pakistani Foreign Minister

During a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, referred to Bangladesh as "our lost brother." He expressed Pakistan's commitment to cooperating with Bangladesh and revealed plans for an official visit. Dar highlighted Pakistan's diplomatic progress, stating, "Our Foreign Office has confirmed that we will now focus on economic diplomacy." He also shared Pakistan's stance on the Gaza crisis and the Kashmir issue. Since Bangladesh's independence in 1971, direct trade between the two nations remained inactive for years. Trade relations further declined after the Awami League came to power in 2009. However, following a change in Bangladesh's government on August 5, Pakistan has taken steps to strengthen ties with the country.