Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Ministry of Civil Aviation to prepare an expedited feasibility study for launching direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives. The announcement came during the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum in Islamabad, attended by visiting Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, as both countries seek to strengthen air connectivity, trade and investment.
Shehbaz Sharif said direct flights between Malé and Pakistani cities, including Karachi and Islamabad, could make travel easier for tourists and business communities. He directed the relevant authorities to examine options involving Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) or other Pakistani airlines and coordinate with a Maldivian delegation to develop a plan. President Muizzu also announced that Maldivian, the Maldives’ national airline, aims to establish a direct air link between Malé and Karachi soon.
The two leaders have agreed to increase bilateral trade from approximately $13 million to $200 million over the next two years. Citing figures provided by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, the prime minister said achieving the target would require close coordination between government institutions and businesses in both countries. A Pakistani delegation comprising business representatives, relevant ministers and government officials is expected to visit Malé following President Muizzu’s return to the Maldives to explore opportunities for exports and economic cooperation.
Maritime connectivity was another key issue discussed at the forum. Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of establishing reliable shipping links between Karachi or Gwadar and Malé to support the movement of goods and help meet the trade target. President Muizzu also encouraged shipping, port and logistics companies to explore direct and commercially viable connections between the two countries.
The Maldivian president identified several sectors for potential collaboration, including food security, cold-chain logistics, temperature-controlled storage, food processing and climate-adaptive agricultural technology. He also invited Pakistani pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare providers, construction companies and engineering firms to explore opportunities in medical supplies, healthcare infrastructure, housing, land reclamation and urban development projects. Renewable energy, information technology, education, tourism and hospitality were also highlighted as areas with scope for cooperation.
Both leaders also discussed opportunities in Islamic finance, Sharia-compliant investment products, sukuk and halal tourism and products. President Muizzu said the Maldives was seeking long-term partnerships rather than simply purchasing goods from Pakistan, while encouraging Pakistani businesses and investors to explore investment opportunities in the island nation.
The visit marks the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years and coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1966. The proposed direct flights, planned business delegation and expanded cooperation across trade, logistics and investment form part of efforts to translate longstanding diplomatic relations into stronger economic links. The $200 million trade target and proposed air service remain objectives requiring further planning and implementation.
