DHAKA (THE THURSDAY TIMES) — Pakistan’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, held talks with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, during a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday evening. The visit is the first by a senior Pakistani military leader to Bangladesh in 54 years, underscoring shifting geopolitical alignments in South Asia.
Both sides discussed ways to deepen cooperation across trade, investment and defence sectors. They noted long-standing cultural and historical ties and voiced support for building a closer partnership that supports economic connectivity and strategic coordination.
Professor Yunus said trade links between the two countries have significant growth potential. He noted that the shipping route connecting Karachi and Chattogram is already operational and that direct air links between Karachi and Dhaka are expected to resume soon.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, and emphasised the need for diplomatic efforts that support lasting peace. Concerns were raised about the increasing spread of misinformation and coercive digital influence, which they warned is fuelling instability in multiple regions.
Professor Yunus stressed that disinformation on social media has become a global challenge and that coordinated international action is needed to address it.
The meeting was attended by National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider.
