Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar Visits Khaleda Zia in Dhaka

Dhaka, August 24, 2025 – Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar visited Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence on Sunday evening to inquire about her health. The visit, which took place at 7:00 PM, was confirmed by BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan.

Accompanied by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, Dar was welcomed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. The meeting focused primarily on extending well-wishes for Khaleda Zia’s recovery, as she continues to battle multiple health issues, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, lung problems, heart conditions, and eye complications.

Professor Zahid, speaking to reporters after the meeting, said, “The deputy prime minister came to inquire about Madam’s health and wished her a speedy recovery.” He noted that Dar conveyed greetings on behalf of Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Discussions also touched on strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Zahid clarified that no political matters concerning Bangladesh were discussed during the meeting. Dar arrived in Dhaka on Saturday, August 23, aboard a special flight from Pakistan, marking the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in nearly 13 years. He was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam. The visit is seen as a significant step in fostering Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. During his stay, Dar is scheduled to meet with senior Bangladeshi government officials, diplomatic representatives, and leaders of major political parties to further enhance bilateral cooperation. This visit follows a precedent set in 2012 when Pakistan’s then Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar met Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence during a trip to Dhaka.