Bangladesh has granted operational approval to two Pakistani carriers, ‘Fly Jinnah’ and ‘Air Sial,’ as both nations work towards the imminent resumption of direct flights aimed at enhancing trade, tourism, and medical travel, the National Assembly was informed today.

During the Question Hour, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, confirmed the development, emphasizing that Pakistan attaches immense importance to its relations with Bangladesh and has undertaken a series of political and economic initiatives to strengthen bilateral ties.

The minister stated that high-level contacts between the leadership of the two countries have been established in the recent past as part of these efforts.

To further foster economic cooperation, Dr. Chaudhry noted that Bangladesh has also streamlined business visa procedures for Pakistani investors.

In a significant trade development, he informed the House that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed for the export of 200,000 metric tons of rice, of which a shipment of 50,000 metric tons has already been supplied.

Replying to a separate question, Parliamentary Secretary for Communication, Gul Asghar Khan, provided an update on a domestic infrastructure project, confirming that work on the six-lane Sialkot-Kharian Motorway is underway with an expected completion date in 2028.