Pakistan has expressed a strong commitment to addressing all unresolved matters with Bangladesh, including historically sensitive issues dating back to 1971.
In an exclusive interview with Banglanews, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, said that a “proper political channel” between the two countries has finally been reactivated after a 16-year gap, opening the door for constructive engagement on longstanding bilateral challenges.
“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,” Maroof said, referring to the recent resumption of Foreign Secretary-level consultations between Dhaka and Islamabad.
The envoy described the development as a “significant step” in reshaping Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, noting that discussions during the diplomatic talks went beyond routine bilateral matters and explored new avenues of cooperation.
This assurance comes at a time when the two countries have shown signs of warming relations after years of strained ties. While Pakistan has frequently expressed a desire to move forward, the absence of high-level diplomatic engagement — particularly in addressing the legacy of 1971 — has hindered progress.
Observers consider the High Commissioner’s remarks notable, as they signal Islamabad’s apparent readiness to engage on issues previously considered diplomatically sensitive.
Though he did not specify any mechanism or timeline for addressing those historical matters, the tone marked a departure from the long-standing diplomatic inertia.
Maroof also welcomed Bangladesh’s political transition under the interim government headed by Prof. Dr Muhammad Yunus and expressed hope for deeper people-to-people contacts and regional cooperation in the days ahead.
The renewed dialogue between Dhaka and Islamabad, along with Pakistan’s stated willingness to discuss “all issues, including historical ones,” is likely to be closely watched by regional stakeholders — particularly as South Asia navigates new geopolitical realignments.
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