Pakistan will continue to hold talks with Bangladesh on returning pre-independence assets and offering a formal apology for the 1971 genocide, said Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin.

He shared the development with reporters on Thursday (April 17) afternoon after the foreign secretary-level meeting between Bangladesh and Pakistan held in Dhaka.

Bangladesh has demanded the return of $4.2 billion in assets held by Pakistan since before independence. The repatriation of around 325,000 stranded Pakistanis still living in Bangladesh was also discussed.

Foreign Secretary said both countries agreed to work on improving bilateral trade and economic relations. Direct flights between Dhaka and Islamabad are expected to resume soon. 

He noted that Bangladesh is maintaining normal diplomatic ties with Pakistan based on national interest, without showing bias toward any side.

Visiting Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch called the discussions "very fruitful" and expressed satisfaction over her visit to Dhaka.

The meeting marks a rare high-level engagement between the two countries, as foreign secretary-level talks were held after a 15-year gap.

BDST: 1853 HRS, April 17, 2025
MSK/SMS