Pakistan PM Shehbaz orders direct flights between Pakistan and Maldives

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said he has directed the Pakistani government to begin direct flights between the Maldives and Pakistan. He made the remarks today at the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad, held during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's ongoing visit to Pakistan. Shehbaz said discussions have been held to increase bilateral trade between the two countries to $200 million. He said the aim is to start direct air travel and shipping services between the Maldives and Pakistan as soon as possible and bring them into operation. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of arranging direct travel routes to expand trade ties. He said he has directed the Ministry of Civil Aviation to arrange the first flight to the Maldives as soon as possible, carrying tourists and businesspeople, through Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) or another Pakistani airline. Shehbaz also said President Muizzu has informed him that Maldivian, the Maldives' national airline, will work to start direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives. The forum was held as part of President Muizzu's ongoing visit to Pakistan. A photo released by the President's Office showed him greeting Shehbaz at the event.