Islamabad: The National Assembly was informed today that Pakistan and Bangladesh are working on the early resumption of direct flights to boost trade, tourism, and medical travel. Responding to a question during the Question Hour, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, stated that Bangladesh has allowed two Pakistani airlines, ‘Fly Jinnah’ and ‘Air Sial,’ to operate flights between the two countries.

According to Radio Pakistan, Dr. Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan values its relationship with Bangladesh and has initiated several political and economic measures to strengthen bilateral ties. He mentioned that leadership-level contacts have been established recently to facilitate this process. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed for the export of two lac metric tons of rice, of which fifty thousand metric tons have already been supplied. Additionally, Bangladesh has streamlined business visa procedures for Pakistani investors.

Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also addressed the provision of new RLNG gas connections to consumers, as instructed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He clarified that the cost of RLNG would be higher than Sui Gas but lower than LNG.

Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights, Saba Sadiq, informed the House about a toll-free helpline, 1099, which operates round the clock to offer free legal advice and assistance on human rights violations, including cases of violence.

Moreover, Parliamentary Secretary for Communication, Gul Asghar Khan, updated the House on the progress of the six-lane Sialkot-Kharian Motorway, which is expected to be completed by 2028.

Two bills were introduced in the House: ‘The Netting of Financial Arrangements Bill, 2025’ and ‘The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025.’ The House is scheduled to reconvene on Monday at 4:30 p.m.