Pakistan Offers Karachi Port Access To Bangladesh Amid Strained Dhaka-New Delhi Ties

Last Updated:October 28, 2025, 13:49 IST

The decision was finalised during the ninth session of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC), held in Dhaka on Monday — the first such meeting in two decades

News18

Amid strained ties between India and Bangladesh, Islamabad has seized the opportunity to draw Dhaka closer by offering the use of Karachi Port for the export of their goods and products. The development comes two months after India banned the import of several jute products from Bangladesh through all land routes.

Islamabad has also expressed interest in importing jute and jute products from Bangladesh, signalling its intent to strengthen trade relations. Under the new proposal, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) would serve as a gateway for Bangladesh’s regional trade with China and the Central Asian states.

The decision was finalised during the ninth session of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC), held in Dhaka on Monday — the first such meeting in two decades. Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment and tourism, marking a thaw in bilateral ties since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. High-level visits between the two capitals in recent months have further indicated Dhaka’s shifting foreign policy.

Bangladesh, which gained independence in 1971 after a bloody freedom struggle against Pakistan, has traditionally maintained close ties with India, which played a key role in its liberation. However, the relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi has deteriorated since student-led protests led to the fall of the Hasina government earlier this year.

During his visit to Beijing in April, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus stirred controversy by inviting China to expand its economic presence in Bangladesh, describing the country as the “only guardian of the ocean" for India’s “landlocked" northeastern region.

The remark angered New Delhi, and the Narendra Modi government imposed restrictions on trade with Bangladesh. India banned the import of several jute and woven fabric products through all land routes and placed port restrictions on items such as ready-made garments and processed food. It also withdrew the transhipment facility previously granted to Bangladesh for exports to the Middle East, Europe and other destinations, with the exception of Nepal and Bhutan.

Saurabh Verma

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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