Pakistan–Bangladesh Direct Flights to Begin in December

By Farzana Chaudhry – Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan has announced that direct flights between Karachi and Dhaka will begin next month, with Mahan Air expected to operate three flights a week. He said this step will significantly boost trade and strengthen connectivity between the two countries.

Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), the High Commissioner also revealed that the visa process has been made easier. Visas are now being issued on the joint recommendation of LCCI and the Bangladesh Honorary Consulate in Lahore, and members can receive visas within three to four days.

LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol welcomed the High Commissioner and highlighted the strong cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He said Pakistan can increase rice exports to Bangladesh and learn from Bangladesh’s experience in the garments sector. He noted that both countries can also cooperate in IT, automobiles, and other industries.

Saigol said that bilateral trade currently stands at about 700 million dollars, but there is potential to increase it to 3 billion dollars in the coming years. He added that direct flights will help accelerate business activities, and LCCI is ready to support the Bangladesh High Commission.

The High Commissioner invited the LCCI President to lead a business delegation to Bangladesh. Saigol accepted the invitation and said a delegation would visit soon.

High Commissioner Khan highlighted opportunities for rice exports from Pakistan and pineapple exports from Bangladesh, along with strong potential in textiles and ready-made garments. He also announced that a direct cargo shipping service will soon be launched to meet growing trade demand.

In the education sector, he said Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission will send a delegation of representatives from twelve universities to Bangladesh to attract more Bangladeshi students.

He further pointed to Pakistan’s tourism potential and emphasized the shared culture, history, and values between the two nations, saying Pakistan and Bangladesh remain closely linked as a community.