Direct flights top trade agenda with Nepal

According to The Express Tribune, Nepal's ambassador Rita Dhital urged the revival of direct flights between Pakistan and Nepal during an interactive session at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). She argued that stronger air connectivity would help unlock trade, investment and tourism, areas where potential is still largely untapped. Dhital recalled that Nepal Airlines once flew to Karachi and that Pakistan International Airlines served the Islamabad to Kathmandu route until 2011.

LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol said bilateral trade, which averages just over $4 million, did not match the strong diplomatic ties dating to 1960 and shared SAARC membership. State Bank of Pakistan figures put Pakistan's 2025-26 shipments to Nepal at roughly $1.4 million, while imports from Nepal stood close to $2.8 million. Pakistan's exports cover medical tools, drugs, clothing and spices, whereas arrivals from Nepal feature cardamom, perfumery plants, opium fibre and orthopaedic goods.

Dhital said existing accords, including a 1982 trade pact and a 2001 double taxation agreement, must be put into practice through regular exchanges and commercial initiatives. She urged the chamber's members to take the lead on a delegation visiting Nepal, and noted that about 5,000 Pakistanis travelled there in 2025. The first 30-day visa each year is free, and visas on arrival are issued at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport.