Pakistan and Bangladesh discussed resuming direct flights between Islamabad, Karachi, and Dhaka in a meeting held in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, signaling a potential step toward closer bilateral ties.
The meeting took place between Tareq Ahmed, Bangladesh's newly appointed ambassador to the UAE, and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan's ambassador to the UAE.
The diplomats also discussed trade, investment cooperation, and ways to increase people-to-people contact, alongside the resumption of direct flights between the two countries. Both sides emphasized the importance of supporting their respective diasporas in the UAE.
The meeting reflects a shift in relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, which were once a single nation before their split in 1971.
Historically, Bangladesh has maintained strong ties with India, Pakistan's arch-rival, but relations have warmed since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid in 2024, marking a new phase of cooperation.
Ambassador Tirmizi highlighted the historical and cultural bonds between the nations and the untapped trade potential. Bangladesh's envoy reaffirmed the country's commitment to strengthening relations with Pakistan, emphasizing the need for dialogue on regional challenges.
In a further step to solidify ties, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Dhaka in early February.
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