On April 17th 2025, Pakistan and Bangladesh officially inaugurated their direct shipping route between Karachi and Chittagong, marking a significant step in bilateral relations and regional trade connectivity. This announcement came during the sixth Foreign Secretary-Level Consultations held in Dhaka where both nations underscored the significance of strengthening economic and diplomatic ties. By Geo News +2 The News International + 2 Pakistan Today on April 17, 2025. This new maritime link will reportedly reduce transit times by over 50%, boost supply chain efficiency, and eliminate transshipment through third countries, benefitting key sectors like garments, textiles and food commodities that are essential to both economies. With this development expected to benefit garment, textile and food commodity supply chains. This could potentially bring benefits for both economies alike. For more information visit DP World or Eurasian Times As well as discussing resuming direct air links and streamlining visa procedures, discussions at the FSLC also focused on reinstating direct air links, streamlining visa procedures and expanding trade, agriculture, education and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Pakistan offered academic opportunities at their agricultural universities while Bangladesh proposed technical training in fisheries and maritime studies for academic training purposes. It was reported by Dhaka Tribune, Geo News and Pakistan Today while Prothomalo provided coverage during these talks as well. Talks also focused on regional matters, including revitalizing South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and conditions in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Both sides pledged their commitment to regional integration and economic collaboration. Pakistan Today Prothomalo pledged his support as president-elect. This renewed engagement follows 15 years of infrequent high-level consultations and represents a change in Bangladeshi foreign policy under interim leader Muhammad Yunus, as his administration seeks to improve relations between them rather than align themselves with India as previously was done under previous governments. The Sunday Guardian Live, AP News and The News International all covered this story on Monday. +3 The next round of FSLC talks is scheduled to take place in Islamabad in 2026, signaling an ongoing commitment towards forging an ambitious partnership between South Asian nations.
