Air connectivity between Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed after a 14-year gap on Thursday as Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ first flight from Dhaka landed in Karachi with 150 passengers on board.
The aircraft touched down at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, where authorities accorded it a traditional ceremonial welcome on the runway.
Officials also held a cake-cutting ceremony at the airport, which Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori attended.
Terming the development historic, the governor said Pakistan was achieving diplomatic successes and expressed hope that the positive momentum would continue.
He described Pakistan and Bangladesh as brotherly nations and alleged that India, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had attempted to create divisions through negative tactics but had failed.
Earlier, authorities held a ceremony at Dhaka International Airport to formally inaugurate the flight’s departure.
During the event, officials announced plans to increase flight frequency in the future and reduce airfares.
Adviser for Civil Aviation and Tourism Bashiruddin, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, and senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority and Biman Bangladesh Airlines attended the ceremony.
High Commissioner Imran Haider said the resumption of direct flights reflected the shared vision of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He added that the initiative would encourage greater youth, educational, business and family exchanges between the two countries.
Passengers travelling on the flight also welcomed the move, calling it an important milestone in strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
