Pakistan launches knowledge corridor, signs visa-free travel with Bangladesh

Dubai: Pakistan unveiled the “Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor” on Sunday, a landmark initiative aimed at deepening educational and professional ties between the two countries.

Under the program, 500 scholarships will be awarded to Bangladeshi students over the next five years for higher education in Pakistan, with 25% allocated to medical studies. In addition, 100 Bangladeshi civil servants will participate in specialised training programs, and scholarships under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program have been increased from 5 to 25.

The Knowledge Corridor announcement coincided with the historic visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, marking the first Pakistani foreign ministerial trip to Bangladesh in 13 years. During his two-day visit, Dar met Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations, spanning trade, diplomacy, culture, education, and humanitarian issues.

Following delegation-level talks, both sides signed six major agreements to institutionalise cooperation:

“These initiatives, combined with the Knowledge Corridor, will institutionalise and deepen cooperation in trade, education, media, culture, and diplomacy,” the Foreign Office said, highlighting the constructive and cordial atmosphere of the discussions.

Dar also met with Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin and senior trade and finance officials to discuss strategies for enhancing trade, connectivity, and economic collaboration. Both sides agreed to revive the long-stalled Joint Economic Commission meeting later this year, the first in two decades.

In addition, Dar attended a reception hosted by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, engaging with political leaders, academics, civil society members, and business representatives. He emphasised Pakistan’s centuries-old shared heritage, cultural ties, and Islamic traditions, underscoring the country’s commitment to a forward-looking partnership with Bangladesh.

Regional and international issues were also discussed, including the rejuvenation of SAARC and resolutions to the Palestine and Rohingya crises. Analysts have described these agreements and the Knowledge Corridor as a milestone in multi-dimensional cooperation, strengthening ties across education, trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.