The recommendations emerged during a roundtable discussion titled “The Islamabad-Dhaka Reset: Reshaping the Narrative through Trade, Media and Diplomacy,” organised by the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, on November 11.
Prof Dr Aalia Sohail Khan, Country Director of the American Institute of Pakistan Studies, stressed the importance of academic exchanges, joint research and institutional partnerships in strengthening bilateral ties.
She urged both countries to move beyond formal agreements and develop practical academic collaborations, including student and faculty exchanges and stronger education-industry linkages.
Raja Amer Iqbal, President of the District Board of Management at the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA), highlighted opportunities for expanding bilateral trade, establishing direct cargo links and encouraging joint ventures.
He identified non-tariff barriers, customs delays, regulatory restrictions and logistical challenges as major obstacles to trade growth. He also suggested exploring cooperation through a Bangladesh-China-Pakistan trilateral mechanism.
In his concluding remarks, CASS Lahore Director Dr Shahid Razzaque said evolving regional dynamics offered renewed opportunities for Islamabad and Dhaka to strengthen their relationship.
He emphasised trade facilitation, maritime connectivity, direct air links, responsible media engagement and cultural exchanges as essential elements of sustainable cooperation.
Dr Hassam Ahmed Siddiqi, Senior Research Associate at CASS Lahore, delivered the opening address.
The discussion concluded with participants calling for practical measures to strengthen mutual trust, institutional cooperation and regional economic engagement.