Direct flights between Pakistan and Maldives on the horizon as PM stresses connectivity

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced that he had issued instructions for direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives. The premier was addressing the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum, attended by visiting Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day trip at the invitation of PM Shehbaz. The visit marks the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years, and comes as the two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, established in 1966. PM Shehbaz said, “I want to say that connectivity is very important. We don’t have direct flights from Malé to Islamabad or Karachi, so this air link is very important.

“I have already given instructions to our ministry of civil aviation to prepare a quick feasibility [study], be it Pakistan International Airlines, or any other airline in Pakistan, to find the ways and means to take the first flight comprising tourists [and the] business community to Malé,” he announced. The premier said he had been informed by President Muizzu that he gave instructions “to his airline to work out a quick plan to start flights from [the] Maldives to Pakistan”. “I have given instructions to our civil aviation department to immediately invite a delegation from [the] Maldives and work out a plan whereby we can start these air flights between the two countries as early as possible,” PM Shehbaz added. Moreover, the premier highlighted the importance of maritime connectivity, noting that unless there is a reliable direct shipping schedule from Karachi or Gwadar to Malé, “we will not be able to meet our targets efficiently and effectively. ” He added that once Muizzu returned to his country, a delegation of Pakistani government officials and businessmen would…