Pakistan opens training for 35 senior Bangladeshi civil servants, with visits across three cities

Pakistan has begun an Executive Development Programme for 35 senior civil servants from Bangladesh, combining professional training with visits to major public institutions. The two-week initiative forms part of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor and aims to develop professional capacity while deepening cooperation between institutions in the two countries.

Training opened on November 9 at the National School of Public Policy’s Executive Development Institute in Lahore and is scheduled to end on November 23. The Higher Education Commission is sponsoring the programme.

Bangladesh High Commissioner Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan heads the visiting delegation, whose itinerary includes institutional study tours in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi. Participants will visit bodies involved in government, legislation, commerce, technology and financial administration.

The planned stops include the National Assembly and the Prime Minister’s Office, along with the Higher Education Commission. The delegation will also visit the ministries of Commerce, Information Technology and Foreign Affairs, as well as NADRA, Karachi Port Trust, the State Bank of Pakistan and other major public-sector institutions.

Welcoming the visitors at the inaugural session, Executive Development Institute Dean Dr. Naveed Elahi said engagement with leading national institutions was central to the programme’s approach to improving professional skills.

National School of Public Policy Rector Muhammad Sualeh Ahmad Faruqui said he expected the initiative to offer useful learning opportunities and support participants’ professional development. He also expressed confidence that it would reinforce friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

High Commissioner Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan described bilateral relations as improving and identified defence, leadership and public policy as areas offering scope for cooperation.

The chief guest, Malik M. Ahmed Khan, Punjab’s acting governor and speaker of the Punjab Assembly, stressed effective governance, legislative practice and public service centred on people’s welfare. A question-and-answer session allowed participants to discuss and compare how governance and legislative work are conducted in both countries.

The opening day also coincided with Iqbal Day celebrations. Retired Justice Nasira Iqbal welcomed the delegation and joined a cake-cutting ceremony. Programme activities also included visits to Sadqain Gallery and introductions to the National Institute of Public Policy, the National School of Public Policy and its Executive Development Institute.