Pakistan and Singapore have discussed the possible resumption of direct flights to improve connectivity and strengthen bilateral relations. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the development on Friday during a meeting with Singaporean Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan in Islamabad. Both countries also agreed to expand cooperation in trade, technology and education.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Dar said the discussions covered several areas of mutual interest. These included economic cooperation, digital technology, artificial intelligence, research and innovation. He added that both sides wanted to increase cultural, academic and youth exchanges. Pakistani professionals working in Singapore also played an important role in connecting the two countries.
Dar said Pakistan had reopened its Trade and Investment Office at its High Commission in Singapore. The move aims to encourage business partnerships and improve commercial engagement. Both countries also agreed to exchange business delegations and strengthen cooperation between their chambers of commerce. The proposed direct flights could further support business activities and people-to-people contacts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met Balakrishnan in Islamabad to discuss stronger economic relations. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, both sides explored opportunities in trade, investment, financial technology and the digital economy. Their discussions also covered infrastructure, logistics, small and medium-sized enterprises and services. Shehbaz appreciated Singapore’s economic progress and achievements in innovation and development.
The two countries also signed an important understanding on disaster management cooperation. Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority and Singapore Civil Defence Force exchanged a memorandum of understanding. The agreement aims to improve disaster preparedness, emergency response and resilience against natural disasters. Both foreign ministers also agreed to maintain regular political consultations and promote high-level exchanges.
Regional and international developments also featured in the discussions. Dar stressed the importance of secure maritime routes, uninterrupted supply chains and diplomatic solutions to international disputes. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Palestinian statehood based on pre-June 1967 borders. He also briefed his Singaporean counterpart on Pakistan’s position regarding the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Balakrishnan praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue and reducing tensions in the Middle East and Gulf region. He also highlighted opportunities for stronger cooperation in business, investment, science, technology and cultural exchanges. His visit marks the first visit by a Singaporean foreign minister to Pakistan in more than 20 years. The visit also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, ahead of Singapore’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.
