ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday visited the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad to offer condolences on the death of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia, Sharif’s office said, amid warming up of ties between the two nations.

Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and a key political figure for decades, died last week at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness, her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said. Her death prompted messages of condolence from leaders across the region.

Dignitaries from several countries, including Pakistan parliamentary speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Indian external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, attended her funeral in Dhaka.

During his visit to the Bangladesh High Commission, Sharif conveyed his condolences to the Bangladeshi charge d’affaires, recorded a message in the condolence book and offered ‘Fateha’ for the departed soul.

“In his condolence message, the Prime Minister paid rich tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as a visionary leader and an eminent political figure who devoted her life to public service,” Sharif’s office said.

“Remembering Begum Zia as a sincere friend of Pakistan, the Prime Minister noted that she had left behind an enduring and inspirational legacy.”

Zia, who served three terms as prime minister, led the BNP and remained a central figure in Bangladeshi politics despite years of ill health and imprisonment under the government of her longtime rival, Sheikh Hasina. She was released last year following Hasina’s ouster after a violent uprising.

Pakistan and Bangladesh were part of the same country until Bangladesh’s secession following a bloody civil war in 1971, an event that has long cast a shadow over bilateral ties. Relations remained largely strained for decades, shaped by historical grievances and political mistrust.

However, Islamabad enjoyed comparatively warmer ties with Dhaka during Zia’s tenure than under Hasina. Engagement between Islamabad and Dhaka has increased since Hasina’s removal and the formation of an interim administration, with both sides signaling interest in improving political, diplomatic, economic and security ties.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt condolences to Begum Zia’s family, her admirers, and the people of Bangladesh,” Sharif’s office said.

“[He] prayed that Almighty Allah bless her soul with the highest place in Jannah.”