Strategy paper on mending Pakistan-Bangladesh ties ready in Islamabad

The Express Tribune on Sunday reported that diplomats, including ambassadors who served in Dhaka, have prepared a strategy paper for the government of Pakistan. The paper envisions a roadmap to reset ties with Bangladesh after the country’s recent political change, according to people familiar with the development.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently met with former high commissioners of Pakistan to Bangladesh and other retired diplomats to discuss the recent changes in Dhaka and Pakistan’s strategy. The diplomats prepared a strategy paper for the government of Pakistan, outlining a plan to reset ties with Bangladesh after the recent political change in the country.

The diplomats suggested that Pakistan should take a careful and deft approach to improve relations with Bangladesh. They advised the government to focus on developing close ties with the people of Bangladesh without taking any sides, and to avoid any actions that may be seen as meddling in the internal matters of Bangladesh. The diplomats also suggested that Pakistan should not view its relationship with Bangladesh through the Indian lens and should follow its own path.

They also proposed that Pakistan consider appointing a special envoy or a Bengali-speaking high commissioner to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Bangladesh. Since the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Pakistan and Bangladesh have established high-level contacts, including a conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Adviser of Bangladesh government Professor Muhammad Yunus. In addition, the foreign secretaries of Pakistan and Bangladesh met at the sidelines of a recent OIC conference.