Pakistan and Bangladesh discussed the resumption of direct flights between Islamabad, Karachi and Dhaka at a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, signaling a possible step towards closer bilateral ties.
The meeting took place between Tareq Ahmed, the newly appointed Ambassador of Bangladesh to the UAE, and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE.
The diplomats also discussed trade, investment cooperation and ways to increase people-to-people contact, as well as 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 change in relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, which were once a single nation before their division in 1971.
Bangladesh has historically maintained strong ties with India, Pakistan’s archrival, but relations have improved 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 links between the nations and the untapped trade potential. The Bangladesh 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.
