LAHORE, November 13, 2026 (Khyber Mail) – The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, organised a roundtable discussion titled “The Islamabad-Dhaka Reset: Reshaping the Narrative through Trade, Media and Diplomacy” to explore opportunities for strengthening relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Held on November 11, the discussion brought together academics, intellectuals and experts to examine ways of rebuilding bilateral ties through trade, educational cooperation, media engagement and diplomatic initiatives.
Dr Hassam Ahmed Siddiqi, Senior Research Associate at CASS Lahore, delivered the opening address.
Prof Dr Aalia Sohail Khan, Country Director of the American Institute of Pakistan Studies, highlighted the role of educational cooperation in improving bilateral relations. She emphasised academic exchanges, student and faculty mobility, joint research and institutional partnerships, urging both countries to move beyond signing memoranda of understanding towards practical and mutually beneficial collaborations.
She also stressed the importance of linking education with industry to promote skills development, create economic opportunities and strengthen institutional and people-to-people connections.
Raja Amer Iqbal, President of the District Board of Management, Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA), discussed the diplomatic and economic opportunities emerging from Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape. He highlighted potential areas of cooperation, including bilateral trade, direct cargo connectivity, joint ventures and the Bangladesh-China-Pakistan trilateral mechanism.
He identified non-tariff barriers, regulatory restrictions, customs delays and logistical difficulties as major obstacles to trade expansion. He called for greater private-sector participation, media cooperation and improved visa arrangements to facilitate business and diplomatic engagement.
In his concluding remarks, Dr Shahid Razzaque, Director at CASS Lahore, said the changing geopolitical environment had created renewed opportunities for Pakistan and Bangladesh to rebuild their relationship. He stressed the need for institutional cooperation, trade facilitation, maritime connectivity, direct air links and private-sector engagement.
He also highlighted the importance of responsible media coverage, academic exchanges, cultural interaction and sustained people-to-people contacts in promoting mutual understanding and a constructive public narrative.
The event concluded with an interactive session in which participants discussed practical measures to expand bilateral cooperation, strengthen institutional linkages and promote a sustainable partnership contributing to regional stability and prosperity. Participants appreciated CASS Lahore’s initiative in organising the discussion.