Staff Reporter:
Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi SM Mahbubul Alam has announced that direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan will soon begin, strengthening ties between the two nations and their business communities.
The announcement was made during his visit to the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI).
During the visit, Mahbubul Alam also revealed plans to organise an exhibition for importers and exporters from both countries in Hyderabad, in collaboration with HCSTSI.
The deputy high commissioner extended an invitation to Pakistani businesses to participate in the Dhaka International Trade Fair, scheduled for January 2025, assuring them that the visa process would be streamlined to facilitate their participation.
Highlighting Bangladesh as an increasingly attractive market, Mahbubul Alam encouraged the HCSTSI to send a delegation to Dhaka. He noted that Bangladesh currently exports products to 80 countries, generating billions of dollars in revenue, and emphasised the need for further expansion through stronger trade relations with Pakistan.
Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Maroof, discussed the resumption of direct flight operations between the two South Asian nations during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser, AF Hassan Arif.
Pakistan currently offers free e-visa applications for Bangladeshi citizens, with approvals granted within hours for online applications. However, despite significant interest from Bangladeshi travellers, there are no direct flights to Pakistan. Passengers must transit through Middle Eastern destinations to reach Pakistan.
Direct flights between the two countries have been suspended since 27 February, when Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) halted operations to Dhaka following a police raid on the home of PIA’s Bangladesh manager, Ali Abbass, who was deported on suspicion of smuggling counterfeit currency.
PIA has expressed continued interest in serving Bangladeshi passengers flying to various destinations in Pakistan. Observing the growing interest, the airline is now planning to resume flights.
