Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, said that a proper political channel has been opened with Bangladesh after 16 years—a move he described as a turning point that could help resolve longstanding bilateral and historical issues.
The remark comes at a time of heightened tension between Pakistan and India following the deadly Pahalgam attack, with both rhetoric and military posturing escalating across the border. In this context, Maroof strongly criticized what he called India’s tendency to raise “war hysteria” without substantiating claims against Pakistan. He affirmed that Islamabad remains fully prepared to respond to any provocation, while also emphasizing the need for regional peace and dialogue.
During the candid and wide-ranging interview, conducted by Banglanews Senior Newsroom Editor Sifat Kabir on Wednesday (April 30), the Pakistani envoy spoke at length about political developments in Bangladesh, regional security dynamics, the Kashmir issue, and the evolving role of SAARC. He also touched on people-to-people contact, defense cooperation, and the growing interest of Bangladeshi tourists in visiting Pakistan.
Following is the full text of the interview:
How does Pakistan evaluate the current socio-political landscape of Bangladesh?
Ans: Let me begin by saying that I have been here for the last year and a half, and I have witnessed the transition in person. Bangladesh appears to be undergoing a fair transformation in many ways—both in terms of the political landscape and the reforms taking place. All these transformations are being carried out under the leadership of Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, the head of the Interim Government, and the entire process seems fair and positive for the people of Bangladesh and its political parties. This transformation is so promising that we hope the dream of a new Bangladesh will come true. The government and people of Pakistan stand with Bangladesh.
How do you see the current tensions between India Pakistan following Pahalgam attack?
Ans: Well, you see, the situation is serious—there's no doubt about it. It's been almost a week since this escalation began, and it started based on a presumption by the Indians, without even sharing a shred of evidence about what happened in Pahalgam—who the culprits were, where they are, or what the proof is. Instead, there's been an attempt to raise war hysteria and increase tensions between the two countries, which are currently at an all-time high. This is not good for the region or for either country. As things stand, the situation remains serious, and Pakistan is ready and fully prepared to respond to any kind of threat that may arise. We are ready.
"Whenever a terrorist attack takes place in India, officials in Delhi are quick to blame Pakistan. How do you view this recurring tendency?"
Ans: First of all, I would like to know what kind of magic wand they have—how is it that within a few minutes to half an hour of an incident, they claim to have all the information, all the evidence, and enough reason to say that Pakistan is behind it? This is what they do every time. I have many questions that the Indians need to answer. For example, despite the presence of seven hundred thousand military personnel in illegally Indian-occupied Kashmir, this offensive incident still happened. On one hand, they are unable to prevent such incidents, yet on the other, it takes them hardly a few minutes to blame Pakistan. Their so-called efficiency is astonishing—within half an hour, they claim to know everything and say they have evidence linking Pakistan. But they always fail to prevent these incidents in the first place. That is the question they need to answer.
Secondly, Pakistan has repeatedly requested evidence. Pakistan even offered to involve neutral observers to independently investigate the entire incident and present unbiased findings. But India refuses to go down that path. Instead, they resort to war hysteria—war, war, and more war—and continue to create tensions. That’s what we’ve been facing.
"If India carries out a so-called 'surgical strike' or military operation inside Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam incident, what would be Islamabad’s position or response?"
Ans: Well, we have made it very clear—it’s a loud and clear message that we will respond instantly and proportionately, perhaps even one step beyond whatever the Indians are planning. There will be a swift, immediate, proportionate, and very strong response. That is what Pakistan is prepared to do.
"Following the Pahalgam attack, there have been renewed calls in India to review or even suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. How seriously does Pakistan view this threat, and what implications could it have for regional stability?" and "Given the timing of India’s recent statements on the Indus Waters Treaty, do you believe water is being used as a tool of political pressure in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident?"
Ans: The Indus waters are the lifeline for the people of Pakistan—for agriculture and for everything else. There is absolutely no question of political pressure or any other kind of pressure on us. We are not feeling any pressure in response to this threat.
First of all, the nature of the treaty is such that a single party cannot suspend it unilaterally—it is simply not possible. But hypothetically speaking, if this were to happen, it would clearly be considered an act of war. And when it is an act of war, it is just that—an act of war. There is no other way to interpret it.
The Indus Waters Treaty has always remained intact, but this time we are taking the threat very seriously and we view it as an act of war. As for political pressure—this is not about pressure; this is something far more serious.
How Pakistan is mobilizing the international community including OIC-UN to gather support for Pakistan, and what impact the situation will have on the region also don’t you think that it is the shared responsibility of the countries of the region to play its role in deescalating the tension?
Ans: Except for one country in the region, the rest are maintaining good relations and engaging normally. There is one country that is the main source of instability in the region. Of course, it is the collective responsibility of all member countries to maintain regional stability. We are committed to working for the stability of the region.
Pakistan’s government itself a victim of the terrorism, your government condemned the Pahalgam attack what’s your comment on this?
Ans: Pakistan has been a frontline state in the war against terrorism in this region for many years. No one understands the fear of terrorism better than we do—we have been facing it for a long time. Pakistan would be the last country to condone such an act of terrorism. The Government of Pakistan has expressed sympathy for the victims of the Pahalgam incident.
Some analysts suggest that India may be uneasy about the warming of relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. How do you respond to that perception?
Ans: Well, you see, countries conduct their bilateral relations on the basis of mutual and shared interests. Similarly, Bangladesh and Pakistan are cooperating with each other and growing closer, based on our common interests, cultural similarities, and historical ties.
Pakistan has expressed interest in developing defense cooperation with Bangladesh. Could you elaborate on what kind of partnership Pakistan envisions?
Ans: I want to make it clear that there is no defence MoU that has been considered or is going to be signed. However, we will consider providing defence cooperation if the Government of Bangladesh ever requests it.
There is growing interest among young Bangladeshi travelers in visiting Pakistan’s tourist destinations, including Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. This could play a positive role in enhancing people-to-people contact between the two countries. Are there any specific initiatives you plan to take to attract Bangladeshi tourists and make travel to Pakistan easier?"
Ans: Bangladeshi youths have already started travelling to Pakistan. Let me share some statistics: from July 2024 to January 2025, we issued more than 6,000 visas to Bangladeshis. Out of these, over 5,500 actually travelled—most of them as tourists, followed by those with family ties in Pakistan, and thirdly, for medical tourism, especially for kidney transplants. Within the region, Pakistan is among the top countries offering the best kidney transplant facilities. This number is expected to increase once direct flights begin.
How do you view the recent resumption of foreign secretary level consultation between Bangladesh and Pakistan after a gap of 16 years?
Ans: The Foreign Secretary-level consultation took place after a gap of nearly 16 years. After such a long time, this is a very significant and positive development. During the discussions, we covered all aspects of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. We not only discussed bilateral relations but also broke new ground. In the coming days, you will see more collaboration and cooperation. We are now following up on the outcomes of these discussions.
Given the complex historical legacy between Bangladesh and Pakistan, especially related to 1971, how does Pakistan plan to foster trust and people-to-people relations moving forward?
Ans: You see, a proper political channel has been opened after 16 years. We have begun to talk and discuss. InshaAllah, in the coming days, we will resolve all our issues, including historical ones. The Foreign Secretary-level consultation is a significant step for both countries.
How does Pakistan envision the role of SAARC?
Ans: SAARC was conceived and born in Bangladesh. I know that the Bangladeshi people and government are very close to SAARC, as well as to Prof Yunus. In our first meeting, Dr. Yunus emphasized the importance of the SAARC process. As I said earlier, all the countries in the region wants SAARC, except for one country. Pakistan fully supports SAARC.
What is your expectation on Kashmir issue?
Ans: Well, one should always remain optimistic. It should be addressed with more wisdom rather than with aggression. Aggression will only bring more complexity and difficulties to the region. It needs to be resolved with wisdom and a calm head. In the end, we want peace. Pakistan always wants peace. Pakistan condemns terrorism, but Pakistan will not be bullied, and we are ready to face any threat. However, we are committed to peace across the region and around the world.
How you want to evaluate India Bangladesh relationship?
Ans: It is up to Bangladesh and India to decide how they want to develop and maintain their relations. I am no one to evaluate that.
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