Pakistan and Bangladesh have welcomed the launch of direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong, marking a key step in strengthening connectivity between the two countries.
The announcement came during the 6th round of Foreign Secretary Level Consultations (FSLC) held in Dhaka on April 17, after a 15-year gap.
The discussions, led by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, highlighted the importance of revitalizing bilateral relations and focused on areas such as trade, education, and cultural ties. Both sides agreed on the necessity of resuming direct air links and improving travel and visa facilitation.
In addition to enhancing trade and agriculture cooperation, both countries discussed opportunities for academic exchanges and cultural collaborations. They also reaffirmed their commitment to revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The talks also covered multilateral issues, with both sides strongly condemning Israeli actions in Gaza and emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute.
The next round of consultations will take place in Islamabad in 2026.
