ISLAMABAD: Paki­stan and Bangladesh on Wedn­esday agreed to grant visa-free entry to holders of diplomatic and official passports from the other side.

The deal in principle marking a breakthrough in bila­teral relations between the two states was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Bangladesh’s Home Minister Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, said a communication received here from Dhaka through the media wing of the interior ministry.

The ministers agreed to enhance cooperation in internal security and police training. They also held discussions on increasing collaboration in counter-narcotics and anti-human trafficking efforts, along with joint measures for counterterrorism.

The Bangladeshi home minister said: “I extend a heartiest welcome to my brother Mohsin Naqvi on his arrival in Dhaka. Your visit is of great significance for strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries.”

On Pakistan’s side, federal secretary for interior, Khurram Agha, will head the committee. A high-level Bangladeshi delegation will soon visit the National Police Academy in Islamabad.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Home Affairs Khuda Bakhsh, secretary Nasim Al-Ghani, additional secretary of security division, Shamim Khan, and other officials attended the meeting.

Earlier, on his arrival at the Bangladesh home ministry, Mr Naqvi was presented the guard of honour.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2025