Pakistan-Bangladesh direct flights to commence in next few months: envoy

ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Khan, announced on Tuesday that direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan are expected to commence within the next few months.

Cargo flights would also begin soon between Dhaka, Karachi, and Lahore to facilitate trade and business exchanges, said the Bangladesh envoy during a meeting with Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi. “This significant development is set to enhance connectivity and foster stronger economic and cultural ties between the two countries,” Hussain said.

He also highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening business partnerships with Pakistan, emphasizing the ease of obtaining Bangladeshi visas online for Pakistani citizens.

On trade, the high commissioner mentioned the opportunities in various sectors with Pakistan exporting goods such as sugar, steel, surgical instruments cement, dry fruits, pink salt, milk products, marble, and coal to Bangladesh. “In turn Pakistan can import items like tea and jute from Bangladesh, creating a complementary trade dynamic between the two countries,” he added. ICCI President Qureshi expressed his intention to visit Bangladesh with a delegation of potential investors at the earliest opportunity, with the goal of inking memoranda of understanding with the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other relevant bodies. Qureshi also highlighted the facilitation desks at the ICCI, which assist the business community in dealing with the challenges to ease of doing business.