DHAKA, Sept  2, 2024 (BSS) – Pakistan today laid emphasis on further strengthening bilateral ties with Bangladesh and resuming direct flights between the two countries for boosting bilateral trade and business.

Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ahmad Maruf made the assertion when he paid a courtesy call on Home Affairs Advisor Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury at the latters’ officer here, an official handout said.

During the meeting, they discussed wide range of bilateral issues like post-flood rehabilitation programme, further improvement of bilateral ties, easing visa process, operation of direct flight between the two countries and cooperation in agricultural research.

At the outset of the meeting, the adviser welcomed the high commissioner and informed him about the recent devanstating floods that engulfed in the country’s south-eastern region. The high commissier assured the adviser to provide support for the flood victims.

The High Commissioner pointed out that during the recent Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Bangladesh had also impacted Pakistan and said that many Pakistani citizens celebrated the students-people victory by flying Bangladeshi flag.

About major challenges of the current interim government, the adviser informed him that the biggest challenge of the government is to prevent corruption and control prices of essentials.

During the meeting, the high commissioner called for strengthening bilateral relations by overcoming dryness in the relations in the last 15 years. The two sides also agreed on easing visa issue process between the two countries.

In this connection, the envoy said that two weeks ago, Pakistan announced the new visa policy under which citizens of 126 countries including Bangladesh will be able to travel to Pakistan without a visa.

He emphasized on resumption of direct flights between the two countries for boosting bilateral trade. The last direct flight between the two countries was operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in 2018.

The meeting also discussed about increasing mutual cooperation in the field of prevention of human trafficking, counter-terrorism and agricultural research.

Senior officials of Home Ministry, Counselor of Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka Kamran Dhangal and Zain Aziz were present in the meeting, among others.