ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has offered to share its Hajj management experience with Bangladesh to help improve pilgrims experience through closer cooperation, Pakistani state broadcaster reported on Thursday.
Pakistan and Bangladesh were part of the same country until Bangladesh’s secession following a bloody civil war in 1971, an event that long cast a shadow over bilateral ties. Both countries have moved closer since 2024, following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who was considered an India.
In a meeting with Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan in Islamabad, Pakistani Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that improving Hajj and Umrah arrangements for pilgrims remains a top priority of his government, the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
“Pakistan ranks second in the world in terms of the number of Hajj pilgrims, and is ready to share its experience in Hajj management with Bangladesh,” Yousaf was quoted as saying.
“Mutual cooperation between the two countries can further facilitate pilgrims.”
Around 179,210 pilgrims from Pakistan will perform Hajj this year, according to the religious ministry. Of these, around 120,000 pilgrims will travel under the government scheme, while the rest will go through private tour operators.
During their meeting, Yousaf and Khan held detailed discussions on Hajj arrangements and matters of mutual interest, according to the report. They also exchanged views on promoting bilateral relations and exploring avenues of religious cooperation.
Last month, national carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines landed in the Pakistani port city of Karachi for the first regular flight since 2012, amid growing institutional linkages between both sides. The two nations began sea trade in late 2024, which were followed by efforts to expand government-to-government commerce.
