The change of coronary heart in Bangladesh has opened new vistas of cooperation for Pakistan. For the primary time of their chequered historical past, the 2 nations – realising the need to reconnect – are busy exploring new grounds of cooperation. The truth that they’ve kick-started commerce and commerce over the last six months, for the reason that dismissal of the Awami League authorities in August 2024, is an effective omen. It is a milestone of their in any other case estranged ties and should take a leap ahead in cementing new horizons of amalgamation.
It’s, likewise, going to be a momentous flip of historical past as a PNSC vessel will dock on a Bangladeshi port. Dhaka has purchased 50,000 tonnes of rice from Islamabad, and the identical can be shipped in two consignments. Pakistan is lucky to have a commerce surplus with Bangladesh – amid exports to the tune of $500 million – thereby possessing an excellent leverage of furthering it in lots of such merchandise which can be manufactured cheaply at dwelling.
The keenness with which Pakistani non-public airways are fascinated about flying to Dhaka and Chittagong is momentous, and must be endorsed and facilitated. Final however not least, the 2 sides ought to to buoy maritime cooperation as there may be a whole lot of sea-borne exercise that may carry dividends to their respective industries.
One other breakthrough that has been witnessed is easing of visa laws, and Bangladeshi authorities are form sufficient to supply particular amenities at commerce and commerce channels. That is an epoch-making second, and needs to be emulated by different neighbours of Pakistan which unnecessarily nurse vendetta and consider in obstructing geo-economics on politicised whims and needs.
Pakistan and Bangladesh have an extended technique to go, and are in want of tapping new horizons in literature, tradition and historical past. One of many basic areas that can be of nice assist to Pakistan is benefitting from Bangladesh’s mental corridors by way of pupil interplay, and intermingling of academia. Coming collectively of those communities by burying the hatchet is indispensable.