Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan yesterday confirmed that the PM would visit Pakistan most likely at the end of next month and then India by the end of March.

There have long been invitations to Khaleda Zia from both Pakistan and India to visit the countries.

Lastly, the PMs of India and Pakistan reiterated their invitations to her during the November 12-13 Saarc Summit in Dhaka, and she confirmed her visit.

"We had earlier given tentative dates in February and March when our prime minister may be free to visit the two countries," the foreign minister said.

Pakistan and India expressed eagerness to welcome Khaleda Zia at the end of February and March.

Officials are now working out details of the scheduled visits, he said.

This will be Khaleda's first visit to India since she assumed office on October 10, 2001. She however visited Pakistan to attend the 12th Saarc Summit in Islamabad in January 2004.

Sources said foreign ministry officials are in close contact with Indian and Pakistani officials. Besides, Bangladesh high commissions in New Delhi and Islamabad are also in touch with officials of foreign ministries of the two countries.

On press reports about uncertainty and complexity of the PM's visit to India, Morshed said, "The reports are most unfounded. There is no confusion, complexity or uncertainty regarding prime minister's visit to India. Both Bangladesh and India are moving forward very positively and the relations are excellent."