Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh ties during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare, Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, in Islamabad. The meeting highlighted both countries’ shared interest in expanding cooperation across multiple sectors and enhancing diplomatic engagement.
Dr Hossain arrived in Pakistan to participate in the 9th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on Women. Welcoming the visiting minister, Dar appreciated Bangladesh’s participation in the conference and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for advancing women’s empowerment through collaboration within the OIC framework and beyond.
During the meeting, Dar recalled his official visit to Dhaka last year and reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to further strengthen Pakistan-Bangladesh ties. He emphasized expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest while encouraging regular dialogue between the two friendly nations.
According to the Foreign Office, both leaders discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, education, social welfare, and people-to-people exchanges. They agreed that stronger economic and social partnerships could create new opportunities for both countries and contribute to regional stability and development.
Dr. A. Z. M. Zahid Hossain, Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare of Bangladesh, called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 last evening.
Welcoming Dr. Hossain to Pakistan for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women… pic.twitter.com/6Y8dLZKOe2
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 14, 2026
The meeting took place alongside the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, where member states adopted the Islamabad Declaration. The declaration reaffirmed a collective commitment to improving the social, economic, and political participation of women and girls across the Muslim world.
The declaration also introduced a new initiative aimed at promoting digital inclusion for women. It called on member states to improve access to education, vocational training, employment, entrepreneurship support, financial services, and leadership opportunities while encouraging greater participation in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and artificial intelligence.
Pakistan and Bangladesh have recently shown renewed interest in expanding diplomatic engagement through high-level exchanges. The latest meeting reflects ongoing efforts to deepen Pakistan-Bangladesh ties by promoting cooperation in development, education, trade, and regional partnerships.
