In a significant diplomatic and economic outreach, Pakistan has offered Bangladesh access to its Karachi port for trade and transit purposes, marking a potential thaw in relations between the two South Asian nations after years of limited engagement.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce, the proposal aims to enhance bilateral trade connectivity and provide Bangladesh with an alternative maritime route for its exports to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Officials in Islamabad said the initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to position itself as a regional logistics and trade hub under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
Commerce Minister Jamal Aziz said during a press briefing, “We are ready to extend the use of Karachi port facilities to Bangladesh on preferential terms. This partnership can open new trade corridors and deepen economic ties between our countries.”
The offer comes at a time when Bangladesh is seeking to diversify its trade routes and reduce dependence on traditional maritime gateways such as Chittagong and Mongla. Analysts say the proposal could also strengthen Pakistan’s regional diplomacy and signal a soft reset in Islamabad-Dhaka relations, which have often been shaped by political sensitivities dating back to 1971.
However, officials in Dhaka have indicated that the proposal will be evaluated carefully, considering geopolitical implications and trade feasibility. The move has drawn attention from regional players, especially India and China, given their growing influence in South Asian infrastructure and maritime development.
If realized, the collaboration could pave the way for enhanced intra-regional trade, improved supply chain resilience, and a new chapter in Pakistan-Bangladesh economic cooperation.
