ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bangladesh on Wednesday discussed launching a ferry service and establishing a direct shipping line as part of efforts to expand trade, tourism and economic cooperation, Pakistan’s maritime affairs ministry said.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry met Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan in Islamabad to discuss enhancing maritime connectivity between the two countries.
“A ferry service will significantly increase tourism and trade activities,” Chaudhry said, according to an official statement issued after the meeting.
He added that promoting maritime connectivity in the region would help strengthen economic stability, while a direct shipping line between Pakistan and Bangladesh would give fresh momentum to bilateral trade.
Both sides expressed their commitment to elevating maritime cooperation and expanding economic collaboration, the statement said.
Direct shipping link
During the talks, the two officials explored the feasibility of introducing a passenger and cargo ferry route linking ports in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Chaudhry said a ferry service would provide a cost-effective transport option and serve as a practical step towards strengthening economic relations.
He noted that the absence of a direct maritime route currently forces goods to be routed through third countries, increasing transit time and costs.
A dedicated shipping link, he said, would enhance supply chain efficiency and add a new dimension to bilateral commerce.
Both sides agreed that improved maritime connectivity could contribute to broader regional economic stability by encouraging trade integration among South Asian economies.
Strengthening Pakistan, Bangladesh ties
Ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh improved since August 2024 following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Diplomatic engagement has since increased, with both governments focusing on practical cooperation in trade, transport and institutional linkages.
Dhaka resumed direct flights to Pakistan in January after more than a decade, signalling renewed engagement between the two sides.
Chaudhry said Pakistan wanted to transform historical ties into a strong economic partnership.
Broader connectivity push
The proposed ferry service comes weeks after Chaudhry inaugurated a new ferry terminal at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), describing it as a landmark step towards promoting regional and coastal tourism and strengthening Pakistan’s blue economy.
At that ceremony, he announced the soft launch of Pakistan’s first ferry service from Karachi to Iran’s Chabahar Port. Officials said the service would operate three round trips per week, carrying up to 240 passengers per voyage.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and Bangladesh have also discussed cooperation in other sectors.
The Pakistani railways ministry said on Saturday that Bangladeshi officials, including Secretary for International Organizations Farhad Islam and High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan, visited the Pakistan Railways Workshop Division in Lahore.
According to the ministry, the delegation was briefed on locomotive maintenance, rehabilitation and manufacturing processes at the Mughalpura Locomotive Workshop.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening railway-to-railway cooperation, including technical collaboration and exchange of expertise.
