Pakistan and Bangladesh are exploring the possibility of launching a ferry service and establishment of a direct shipping line to strengthen the tourism and trade links between the two countries.
The proposals have been discussed during a meeting between Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Bangladesh High Commissioner Iqbal Hossain Alam Islamabad. The two sides reviewed measures to enhance maritime cooperation and expand economic engagement.
Pakistan believes the ferry service would support tourism and commercial activity, while a direct shipping line could facilitate smoother trade flows between the two countries. He added that the improved connectivity through sea would contribute to regional economic integration as well. Both delegations have expressed commitment to deepening cooperation in the maritime sector and broadening bilateral trade.
The minister said Pakistan aims to foster a strong economic partnership based on historical ties. Pakistan and Bangladesh were part of the one country until 1971, when Bangladesh emerged as an independent state following a civil war. Bilateral relationships between the two countries had been shaky for the past several years.
Read more: Pakistan and Bangladesh discuss expanding trade and defense ties
However, it was renewed since August 2024 following the downfall of the government of Sheikh Hasina Wajid in Dhaka. Recently, Bangladesh and Pakistan have resumed direct flights, and in January, after a gap of more than a decade, a Bangladeshi flight carrying passengers landed in Pakistan, marking another step in expanding connectivities between the two countries.
Back in October 2025, Pakistan’s top military official, Director General of Joint Staff Lieutenant General Tabassum Habib, had arrived in Dhaka on October 6 on an official visit to Bangladesh.
The visit was hosted by the Armed Forces Division under the office of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. This is the highest-level Pakistani military visit to Bangladesh since the Yunus-led interim government took charge of Bangladesh in August 2024, following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina Wajid.
In August 2025, Pakistan’s foreign minister flew to Bangladesh. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was the most senior Pakistani official to visit Dhaka since 2012, with Islamabad calling it a “significant milestone in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations”.
