Islamabad has expressed interest in re-establishing direct air links between Pakistan and Bangladesh to boost trade and economic ties between the two nations. This was discussed on Tuesday during a meeting between Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, and Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser, Md. Touhid Hossain, at the foreign ministry.

The Pakistani envoy also proposed easing visa procedures for Pakistani nationals to foster greater people-to-people connections, according to a press release from the foreign ministry.

High Commissioner Maroof mentioned that the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government are likely to meet during the upcoming UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York.

During the discussion, the high commissioner emphasized the need to reactivate existing bilateral frameworks, such as foreign secretary-level consultations and the Joint Economic Commission, to further strengthen relations between the two countries.

He also conveyed Pakistan's support for efforts to rejuvenate the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and expressed hope that both nations would continue collaborating on other multilateral platforms.

Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral relations and assured Pakistan of Bangladesh’s commitment to furthering cooperation. He also reiterated the significance of revitalizing SAARC to promote regional collaboration for the mutual benefit of all member nations.

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