Shehbaz Sharif Meets Muhammad Yunus

Shehbaz Sharif Meets Muhammad Yunus A Warmer Chapter for Pakistan Bangladesh Relations

When Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in New York on September 25, it felt like more than just another courtesy calls on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The two men spoke in a way that suggests both countries are ready to leave the past behind and focus on what can be built together.
The atmosphere was warm, almost familiar.

On one hand, Shahbaz underscored Pakistan’s desire to strengthen “fraternal relations” with Bangladesh. On the other hand, Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus, who is held in high regard across South Asia, responded in kind.

He welcomed Pakistan’s push for closer trade and cultural exchanges, and more importantly, seemed genuinely optimistic about the way forward.

Trade is finally picking up

One of the clearest signs of this new momentum is trade. The numbers speak for themselves: Pakistan Bangladesh trade reached $865 million in the fiscal year 2024-25, up 20% from the previous year. Besides, Pakistan’s exports reached $787 million, while Bangladeshi exports to Pakistan increased by 38%. For once, the balance does not seem one sided. Instead, it looks like a win win strategy for both sides.
Moreover, Bangladesh is also buying more Pakistani goods. Imports rose to 1.9 million in 2024, from 1.7 million in 2023. Hence, it is not just about the numbers, but this points to the growing trust in Pakistani products, from textiles to cement and medicines. For Pakistan, it reinforces the idea that it can serve as an important trade hub in the region.

Karachi Chattogram is the new lifeline

If there is one initiative that shows the spirit of this new relationship, it is the Karachi Chattogram direct shipping link. Launched in November 2024, it is already proving its worth. Delivery time has been halved, and more than 1,000 containers have travelled in just a few months.

This is a huge step for businesses on both sides. It means low latency, low cost and more reliable supply chain. Symbolically, this path represents something bigger than two nations investing in practical connections rather than clinging to old divisions.

Beyond the goods and cargo

It is not just trade relations. The leaders of both the countries also recognized the need to bring people closer. So, this means the resumption of direct flights between the two countries that is a step to revive business travel, tourism and family trips.
Moreover, it also has a cultural dimension. Exchanges in the arts, academia and sports were on the table, with an eye on the younger generations, who do not carry the historical baggage of their elders. Mr. Younus, whose career was all about uplifting people first, seemed particularly enthusiastic about this angle.

A Broader View of South Asia

This meeting was not only about Pakistan and Bangladesh, it was also about the region. Both Shehbaz Sharif and Yunus spoke of the need for stability and cooperation in South Asia. Moreover, with the world moving towards regional blocs and connectivity driven development, they know that endless rivalries hold everyone back.
Furthermore, this forward looking approach for Pakistan aligns with its recent diplomatic push to shape the economic partnership as the centerpiece of foreign policy. For Bangladesh, this is an opportunity to diversify its relations and engage its neighbors in a healthy space.

A moment worth noting

What made this meeting stand out was not just the agreement, but it was Mr. Yunus’ voice. He openly praised Pakistan’s outreach, which is no small feat given Dhaka’s historically cautious stance towards Islamabad. For his part, Sharif acted like a politician, focusing on trust and respect rather than old disputes. Hence, this does not mean that every problem is solved, or that differences do not arise again. But for now, there is a sense that both sides are willing to try to move forward in a positive manner.
Lastly, if these promises are fulfilled, it will be the beginning of a new phase in Pakistan Bangladesh relations. Moreover, trade data, shipping links and the promise of cultural exchanges show that the relationship is moving from symbolic gestures to tangible progress. So, maybe this is the real story that the two countries choose pragmatism over bitterness. Resultantly, ordinary people including businessmen, students and families will benefit the most.