Karachi: Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Ruhul Alam Siddique, expressed admiration for the growing popularity of Pakistani drama serials and food channels in Bangladesh during a seminar organised by the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR). Speaking at the event, Siddique revealed that his wife is particularly fond of watching Pakistani food channels, underscoring the cultural appeal Pakistan holds in Bangladesh.
Siddique emphasised the importance of strengthening people-to-people connections between the two countries, despite recent geopolitical tensions and the suspension of direct shipping routes, which have disrupted bilateral trade in the last two years. However, he noted that the Dhaka-Karachi air route continues to be profitable for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), highlighting its role in maintaining a bridge between the nations.
The High Commissioner announced that Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor is expected to meet Pakistan’s Prime Minister during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session, a move aimed at further strengthening diplomatic relations.
Addressing trade concerns, Siddique mentioned the challenges stemming from Pakistan’s reduced cotton production, which has impacted the cotton import trade between the two countries. He also acknowledged the frequent participation of Pakistani singers in Bangladeshi folk festivals, calling for the resolution of visa issues that hinder greater cultural and business exchanges.
Nadra Panjwani, Chairperson of KCFR, also spoke at the seminar, sharing her optimism about improving travel between the two nations. She pointed out that many Bangladeshis are eager to visit Pakistan, but visa restrictions in place since 2013 have been a major obstacle. Panjwani called for simplifying visa procedures, especially given the longstanding ties and even cross-border marriages between citizens of both countries.
Panjwani further noted that a common misconception among Bangladeshis—that visiting Pakistan would prevent them from obtaining Indian visas—remains a significant hurdle in boosting travel and exchange, urging both governments to address this issue to facilitate smoother bilateral travel and stronger ties.
