The Peshawari Food Festival reflects Pakistan's broader effort to deepen Bangladesh ties through cuisine, tourism, cultural exchanges and expanding agricultural trade.
DHAKA — Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider inaugurated a two-week-long Peshawari Food Festival at Hotel Sarina in Dhaka, highlighting the growing cultural, tourism and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The festival features a Pakistani chef preparing a range of authentic Peshawari and Pakistani delicacies for food enthusiasts in Dhaka. Business leaders, media representatives, members of civil society and food lovers attended the inauguration ceremony.
Speaking at the event, High Commissioner Imran Haider commended Hotel Sarina for organising the festival and said Pakistani cuisine is internationally recognized for its rich flavours, distinctive aromas and memorable taste.
He noted that the recent opening of several restaurants offering authentic Pakistani cuisine across Bangladesh reflects the growing popularity of Pakistani food among Bangladeshi consumers.
The High Commissioner said the peoples of Pakistan and Bangladesh share cultural and familial affinities that provide a strong foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation across different sectors.
According to him, initiatives such as the Peshawari Food Festival can serve as a catalyst for promoting Halal tourism, cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity between the two countries.
Highlighting the potential for stronger bilateral trade, Haider said the agriculture sector offers significant opportunities for mutually beneficial economic cooperation. He noted that Pakistan is exporting essential commodities, including rice, to Bangladesh while avenues are also being explored for importing Bangladeshi agricultural products such as pineapple, jute and betel leaves.
He stressed the importance of stronger linkages between the business communities of both countries to unlock the full potential of bilateral trade.
In this regard, the High Commissioner encouraged Bangladeshi agribusinesses and professionals to participate in FoodAg 2026, scheduled to take place in Karachi from November 23 to 26.
Haider also highlighted the importance of direct air connectivity between Dhaka and Karachi, inviting Bangladeshi travellers to visit Pakistan and experience its cuisine, cultural heritage and diverse landscapes.
The food festival is expected to provide an additional platform for cultural engagement while showcasing Pakistan's culinary traditions to Bangladeshi audiences.
