Diplomatic Desk:
Direct air travel between Bangladesh and Pakistan resumed after a long 14 years. On Thursday (January 29), Biman Bangladesh Airlines launched its inaugural flight on the Dhaka-Karachi direct route, which is being considered an important milestone in strengthening communication and bilateral relations between the two countries.
The inaugural flight, which departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, was full of passengers. At a ceremony organized on this occasion, the flight was flagged off by Honorable Advisor to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism H. E. Sk. Bashir Uddin, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh Mr. Imran Haider, Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, along with senior officials concerned.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Civil Aviation and Tourism Advisor said that the launch of the Dhaka-Karachi route will increase communication between the two countries, expand tourism and strengthen people-to-people ties. He said that the number of flights on this route will be increased in phases and steps will be taken to make travel easier and more affordable for the common people by reducing fares. At the same time, he expressed optimism that the people of Bangladesh will travel to Pakistan to enjoy its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and diverse cuisine.
Pakistan High Commissioner Mr. Imran Haider said in his speech that this direct flight is a tangible reflection of the common goal of strengthening connectivity between the two countries under the visionary leadership of the Honorable Chief Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. He mentioned that in August last year, during the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar to Dhaka, both countries agreed to resume direct flights. The implementation of that decision today will play an important role in strengthening the youth, education, culture, business, family and people-to-people relations of the two countries.
He expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh government, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority for implementing this initiative.
