The Bangladeshi government has announced 500 new scholarships for Pakistani students.
The announcement was made by Dr Khalid Hussain, Advisor on Religious Affairs to the Government of Bangladesh, during a meeting with PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Lahore on Monday.
The meeting, also attended by Bangladesh High Commissioner MD Iqbal Hussain Khan, focused on enhancing collaboration in education, economy, energy, agriculture, trade and public relations.
Nawaz Sharif highlighted the historic ties between the two countries, recalling the “heartfelt love” Pakistanis still hold for their Bangladeshi brothers.
He said the current moment was “most suitable” for bringing the two nations closer, while praising Bangladesh’s economic progress. The former prime minister also paid tribute to MM Alam as a shared national hero and appreciated the Bangladeshi people’s support following Pakistan’s nuclear tests.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stressed that Pakistan and Bangladesh share a relationship beyond borders, rooted in intergenerational brotherhood. She praised Dhaka’s garment industry, microfinance models and women’s economic inclusion, and called for partnerships in green energy, flood management and agricultural sustainability.
“Trade and direct contacts will further strengthen people-to-people ties, while lasting peace in the region requires transforming Pak-Bangladesh friendship into a sustainable partnership,” she added.
High Commissioner MD Iqbal Hussain Khan described Nawaz Sharif as a “hero of the Bangladeshi people” who “still lives like a fragrance in the hearts of Bangladeshis.” He noted that younger generations in Dhaka hold immense respect for him.
Dr Hussain further praised Maryam Nawaz’s vision and leadership, saying he regularly follows her speeches. The Bangladeshi delegation underlined their commitment to strengthening ties at every level, with educational cooperation seen as a key to a brighter shared future.
Nawaz, Maryam meet Iranian envoy to discuss stronger bilateral ties
Earlier, former PM and Punjab CM also met with Iranian Ambassador Dr Reza Amiri Moqadam at Jati Umra to discuss strengthening bilateral relations.
Iranian Consul General in Lahore Mehran Movah Farr was also present during the huddle.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to take Pakistan-Iran relations to new heights, with a focus on trade, energy cooperation and regional stability.
Nawaz Sharif expressed solidarity with Tehran in the wake of the recent 12-day conflict, recalling the “impressive personality” of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
He said Pakistan’s “prayers and sympathies” were with the Iranian people during the war, while also highlighting the historic respect Iranians hold for Allama Iqbal, whom they affectionately call ‘Iqbal Lahori’.
Maryam Nawaz, meanwhile, underlined the devastating impact of recent floods in Punjab, noting that timely measures had saved thousands of lives. She appreciated the “sympathy and solidarity” extended by Iran during the crisis, describing it as a reflection of long-standing ties.
Ambassador Moqadam thanked Pakistan’s leadership and people for their strong support during the war, calling bilateral relations between the two neighbours “impressive and rooted in history.”
