### Strengthening Ties: Direct Flights Between Dhaka and Karachi Set to Launch In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan and Bangladesh are poised to enhance their bilateral relations with the introduction of direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi, expected to commence in January 2026. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the two countries' relationship, which has seen a thaw following years of strained ties. The announcement follows a meeting between Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, and Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, where they discussed various avenues for cooperation, including trade, investment, and cultural exchanges [https://www.firstpost.com/world/direct-dhaka-karachi-flights-likely-from-january-amid-thaw-in-ties-13963934.html][https://www.nation.com.pk/30-dec-2025/karachi-dhaka-direct-flights-likely-start-january]. ### Overview of the Developments in Bilateral Relations 1. **Direct Flight Launch**: - Direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi are anticipated to begin in January 2026, marking the first such service in nearly a decade [https://www.india.com/news/world/muhammad-yunus-bangladesh-national-elections-pakistan-dhaka-karachi-flight-services-trade-education-medical-services-shehbaz-sharif-imran-haider-muslim-country-hindus-8248479]. 2. **Bilateral Cooperation**: - The meeting between Haider and Yunus focused on expanding cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, aviation, education, and healthcare [https://www.india.com/news/world/muhammad-yunus-bangladesh-national-elections-pakistan-dhaka-karachi-flight-services-trade-education-medical-services-shehbaz-sharif-imran-haider-muslim-country-hindus-8248479][https://timesofislamabad.com/29-Dec-2025/pakistan-bangladesh-ties-advance-with-direct-karachi-dhaka-flights]. 3. **Trade Growth**: - Bilateral trade has reportedly increased by 20% compared to the previous year, with both nations exploring new investment opportunities [https://www.nation.com.pk/30-dec-2025/karachi-dhaka-direct-flights-likely-start-january][https://timesofislamabad.com/29-Dec-2025/pakistan-bangladesh-ties-advance-with-direct-karachi-dhaka-flights]. 4. **Cultural and Educational Exchanges**: - There is a notable rise in cultural exchanges, with Bangladeshi students increasingly interested in pursuing higher education in Pakistan, particularly in fields like medical sciences and technology [https://www.india.com/news/world/muhammad-yunus-bangladesh-national-elections-pakistan-dhaka-karachi-flight-services-trade-education-medical-services-shehbaz-sharif-imran-haider-muslim-country-hindus-8248479][https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/29-dec-2025/direct-flights-between-pakistan-and-bangladesh-to-start-this-january-after-a-decade]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Trade Statistics**: - Bilateral trade has increased by **20%** year-on-year, indicating a robust economic relationship [https://www.nation.com.pk/30-dec-2025/karachi-dhaka-direct-flights-likely-start-january]. - **Educational Interest**: - There has been a significant uptick in Bangladeshi students enrolling in Pakistani universities, particularly in specialized fields [https://timesofislamabad.com/29-Dec-2025/pakistan-bangladesh-ties-advance-with-direct-karachi-dhaka-flights]. - **Medical Tourism**: - An increase in Bangladeshi patients traveling to Pakistan for medical treatments, especially for liver and kidney transplants, has been noted, further emphasizing the need for direct flights to facilitate this [https://timesofislamabad.com/29-Dec-2025/pakistan-bangladesh-ties-advance-with-direct-karachi-dhaka-flights]. ### Conclusion: A New Era of Connectivity The anticipated launch of direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi represents a **historic revival** in connectivity between Pakistan and Bangladesh, fostering enhanced trade, cultural exchanges, and educational opportunities. 1. **Direct Flights**: Expected to commence in January 2026, facilitating easier travel and trade [https://www.firstpost.com/world/direct-dhaka-karachi-flights-likely-from-january-amid-thaw-in-ties-13963934.html]. 2. **Economic Growth**: A 20% increase in bilateral trade highlights the strengthening economic ties [https://www.nation.com.pk/30-dec-2025/karachi-dhaka-direct-flights-likely-start-january]. 3. **Cultural Engagement**: Growing interest in educational exchanges and medical tourism underscores the potential for deeper connections [https://timesofislamabad.com/29-Dec-2025/pakistan-bangladesh-ties-advance-with-direct-karachi-dhaka-flights]. This development is seen as a crucial step towards a more integrated South Asia, promoting mutual prosperity and cooperation among neighboring countries.