Pakistan and Bangladesh have taken a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations by agreeing to establish passenger and cargo shipping services between the two nations. This decision, announced by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), follows a meeting between Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan and PNSC Chairman Sultan Ahmed Chawla. The move is part of a broader effort to enhance maritime cooperation and trade between the countries.
The agreement reflects the warming ties between Islamabad and Dhaka, especially after the removal of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year. Under Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh maintained close relations with India, while ties with Pakistan were strained. Since her departure, diplomatic engagements have increased, leading to renewed focus on fostering stronger economic and connectivity links.
The newly established cargo shipping services aim to facilitate smoother travel and boost cooperation in trade, industry, and shipping operations between the two countries. The decision follows a series of high-level interactions, including the establishment of a joint business council between Pakistan and Bangladesh in January, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding to export rice to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif twice since taking office in August, signaling the growing diplomatic momentum. Additionally, Pakistani and Bangladeshi diplomats have discussed other connectivity initiatives, such as launching direct flights between Dhaka, Islamabad, and Karachi.
Optimistic about the potential for strengthened trade and diplomatic ties, Bangladesh High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan highlighted the importance of improved maritime connectivity. PNSC Chairman Sultan Ahmed Chawla reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing regional trade and ensuring seamless logistics between the two nations, marking a new era of deeper economic and diplomatic cooperation.
