Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, will be visiting Bangladesh next month on a state invitation. This visit is seen as a significant step in enhancing diplomatic relations between the two countries. The news was confirmed by Pakistan's Express Tribune on Friday.

The visit is expected to be a "landmark progress" in the relationship between the two nations, with the newspaper noting that it will be the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Dhaka since 2012.

A major political shift occurred in Bangladesh in July-August of last year, when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down under pressure from a student and public uprising and subsequently left the country for India. This marked a new chapter in Bangladesh-Pakistan relations.

In response to the evolving political landscape, Bangladesh has lifted several trade restrictions on Pakistani goods. Additionally, direct trade via sea routes between the two countries has now begun.

The last visit to Bangladesh by a Pakistani foreign minister was by Hina Rabbani Khar in 2012. She visited Dhaka to attend the D-8 Summit at the invitation of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Express Tribune pointed out that, during Sheikh Hasina's 15 years in power, bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan had been significantly limited. Despite multiple attempts by Pakistan to normalize relations, Hasina's government prioritized ties with New Delhi over Islamabad.

However, following Hasina's political downfall in last year's coup, visible improvements in Bangladesh-Pakistan relations have occurred. High-level communications between the two governments have already taken place.

During a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, Ishaq Dar referred to Bangladesh as a "lost brother" and reiterated Pakistan's readiness to offer all forms of cooperation to Bangladesh. He stated, "Our foreign ministry is pursuing an economic diplomacy strategy. We want to support and stay with Bangladesh in promoting stability and development in this region."

Ishaq Dar also emphasized the importance of the upcoming visit, expressing confidence that both nations will work together, particularly in the areas of trade and economics, to support and collaborate with one another.

Dar added, "Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s chief advisor, invited me to visit Dhaka. Yunus has also accepted Pakistan's invitation to visit Islamabad. The date for the visit will be determined through discussions between officials of both countries."