Pakistan, Maldives move to establish direct air links

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said he had directed the Ministry of Aviation to explore ways to establish direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives, as the two countries agreed to strengthen air connectivity and expand bilateral trade.

Addressing the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum 2026, which was also attended by Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the prime minister expressed hope that the president’s visit would prove a turning point in relations between the two countries.

“Above all, this will be a game-changer in terms of promoting our bilateral trade and investment portfolios,” he said.

Read: Pakistan, Maldives sign 20 MoUs, target $200m trade

Addressing businessmen, entrepreneurs, traders and investors from both countries, PM Shehbaz described the agreement to increase bilateral trade from $13 million to $200 million over the next two years as an opportunity that required concrete action and coordinated efforts.

“My brother President Muizzu, on my request, readily agreed to make a firm understanding to increase our bilateral trade from $13 million to $200 million in the next two years, and now it’s all up to us to make use of this opportunity,” he said.

He urged the business communities of both countries to prepare comprehensive plans to achieve the target through joint efforts and close coordination.

The prime minister said Pakistan would send a delegation to Malé after President Muizzu’s return, comprising experienced exporters, relevant government ministers and officials, to work towards expanding trade ties, adding that both countries would make additional efforts to meet the agreed target.

Highlighting the importance of connectivity, PM Shehbaz said there were currently no direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives, making the establishment of an air link essential to closer bilateral relations.

“Connectivity is very important. We don’t have direct flights from Malé to Karachi or Islamabad, so this air link is extremely important,” he said.

The prime minister said he had directed the Ministry of Aviation to explore ways to launch flights between the two countries as soon as possible, adding that President Muizzu had also instructed his country’s airline to prepare a plan to start flights to Pakistan.

“I have given instructions to the Civil Aviation Department to work out a plan whereby they can start these air flights between the two countries as early as possible,” said the prime minister.

Emphasising the importance of maritime connectivity, the prime minister said the two countries would find it difficult to achieve their trade targets efficiently without a direct shipping schedule between Karachi or Gwadar and Malé.

He thanked President Muizzu for visiting Pakistan, noting that it was the first visit by a Maldivian leader in 11 years and expressed hope for continued high-level engagement.

“I hope this will be your first visit amongst many in times to come, and I hope you can at least make two visits to Pakistan this year,” he concluded.