Direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh to start from December

Direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh will begin from next month a significant leap in strengthening connectivity between the two countries Dhakas top diplomat said here WednesdayThere has been no direct flight between Pakistan and Bangladesh for the last several yearsAs relations between the two countries improved this year two Pakistani private airlines have recently received approval for direct flightsMahan Air will start three weekly flights between Dhaka and Karachi from next month Bangladeshs High Commissioner in Islamabad Iqbal Hussain Khan told businessmen at Lahore Chamber of Commerce amp Industry LCCI hereHe however did not specify any date or other detailsThe high commissioner further said Visa process has been simplified Visas are now being issued on the joint recommendation of LCCI and the Bangladesh Honorary Consulate in LahoreVisas will be issued to members within three to four days making travel between the two countries faster and easier he addedThe three weekly flights between Dhaka and Karachi will be a significant leap in strengthening connectivity between the two countries Khan addedMahan Airlines operating under the name Mahan Air is a privately owned Iranian airline based in TehranSince prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted after massive studentled protests in Bangladesh on August 5 2024 and Muhammad Yunus took over as the Chief Adviser of the Interim government there relations between Dhaka and Islamabad have continued to improve on several frontsRecently two Pakistani private airlines Fly Jinnah and AirSial received approval from the aviation authorities in Bangladesh to operate direct flights between Pakistan and BangladeshHigh Commissioner Khan said that a direct cargo shipping service between the two countries will also be launched soonWhile a cargo service between the two countries has been operational since last December rising trade demand now requires a dedicated direct cargo route he saidLCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol said Pakistan can increase rice exports to Bangladesh and Dhaka can supply fresh pineapples to Pakistan besides trade in textiles and readymade garmentsHe said both nations have opportunities to collaborate in IT automobiles and other industriesAt present bilateral trade stands at USD 700 million but it may increase up to USD 3 billion over the next few years Saigol said and added that direct flights would further enhance trade relationsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever