Pakistan and Bangladesh discussed the resumption of direct flights between Islamabad, Karachi and Dhaka at a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, signaling a potential step towards closer bilateral relations.
The meeting took place between Tareq Ahmed, the new ambassador of Bangladesh to the UAE, and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, the ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE.
The diplomats also discussed trade, investment cooperation and ways to increase people-to-people contacts, as well as the resumption of direct flights between the two countries. Both sides stressed 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 split in 1971.
Historically, Bangladesh has enjoyed close ties with India, Pakistan’s main rival, but relations have warmed 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 ties between the nations and the untapped trade potential. The Bangladesh envoy reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Pakistan, emphasizing the need for dialogue on regional challenges.
In a further step to consolidate ties, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit is planned to Dhaka in early February.
