 "Direct Dhaka–Karachi flights likely from January amid thaw in ties")
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, said on Sunday that direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi are expected to begin in January, calling it a major boost to bilateral relations. The announcement comes amid a thaw in ties following the ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Haider shared the update during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House in Dhaka.
Medical cooperation and education ties
The High Commissioner noted a rise in the number of Bangladeshi patients travelling to Pakistan for liver and kidney transplants, adding that Islamabad is ready to offer training and academic opportunities in transplant-related medical fields.
According to a statement from the Bangladesh Chief Advisor’s press wing, Haider also highlighted an increase in cultural exchanges and said Bangladeshi students have shown growing interest in higher education in Pakistan, particularly in medical sciences, nanotechnology and artificial intelligence.
Trade, investment and aviation
Both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment and aviation, along with strengthening cultural, educational and medical exchanges.
Haider pointed to a 20 percent increase in bilateral trade compared to last year, saying business communities in both countries are actively exploring new investment opportunities.
Chief Advisor Yunus stressed the need to further boost trade and expressed hope that during Haider’s tenure, Bangladesh and Pakistan would explore new avenues for investment and joint venture businesses.
Since the student-led ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have shown marked improvement after years of strain.
Under Hasina, Dhaka remained closely aligned with India, and ties with Islamabad stayed cold, shaped by historical grievances, human rights issues before Bangladesh’s liberation, and trials linked to the 1971 Liberation War.
Quick Reads
View AllFollowing her exit, Bangladesh’s interim government has moved to reset relations with Pakistan. This has led to increased diplomatic engagement, discussions on expanding trade and connectivity, eased visa procedures for Bangladeshi citizens travelling to Pakistan, and the resumption of maritime trade links, alongside efforts to deepen economic and people-to-people exchanges.
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