ISLAMABAD: Diplomats including ambassadors who served in Dhaka have prepared strategy paper for government of Pakistan, envisaging roadmap to reset ties with Bangladesh after recent political change in country, according to people familiar with development. They told that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited former high commissioners of Pakistan to Bangladesh and other retired diplomats for consultations on recent changes in Dhaka and Pakistan’s strategy.

All of them spoke on condition of anonymity becuase of the sensitivity of the subject. One source said meeting was convened by prime minister to seek input from retired ambassadors on how to reset ties with Bangladesh. Pakistan saw an opening in mending ties with Bangladesh after Hasina’s ouster.

Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh remained strained during 15-year rule of Hasina. Islamabad did make attempts to improve ties with Dhaka but Hasina rebuffed those efforts. Strategy paper handed over to Prime Minister provides roadmap on Pakistan and Bangladesh ties.

Retired diplomats believe that Pakistan must cash in on this opening but with careful and deft diplomacy. Government was advised to pursue ties with Bangladesh with low key approach focusing on developing close ties with people of Bangladesh without taking any sides.

Government was also told not to indulge in any overt moves that suggest any meddling in internal matters of Bangladesh. India has paid heavy price for patronising Sheikh Hasina. One of the reasons  Retired diplomats proposed that Pakistan must not view relationship with Bangladesh through Indian lens.