The National Assembly was informed on Friday that Pakistan and Bangladesh are working on early resumption of direct flights to boost trade, tourism, and medical travel. Responding to a question during the Question Hour, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, said Bangladesh has allowed two Pakistani airlines namely “Fly Jinnah” and “Air Sial” for operating flights between the two countries.

He further informed the House that Pakistan attaches immense importance to its relations with Bangladesh and has undertaken a series of political and economic initiatives to enhance bilateral ties. He said leadership-level contacts have been established in the recent past. The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs informed that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed for the export of two lac metric tons of rice of which fifty thousand metric tons have already been supplied.

He said Bangladesh has also streamlined business visa procedures for Pakistani investors. Replying to another question, Parliamentary Secretary for Communication, Gul Asghar Khan, said work on the six-lane Sialkot-Kharian Motorway is underway and is expected to be completed in 2028.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)