KARACHI (Pakistan Daily Times) – Major breakthrough in bilateral trade relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan is in the offing as Tajik Airlines is starting its flight operation from Dushanbe to Islamabad from next month. This was stated by Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Zubaydullo N. Zubaydov.

Beside Russian cities, Tajik Air serves the following destination in Central Asia and Middle East: Tehran, Mashhad, Islamabad, Almaty, Bishkek, Istanbul, Sharjah.

Following a meeting along with his Honorary Consul General Irshad Kassim held with high officials of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the other day, Zubaydov announced to extend full-fledged status to consulate general of Tajikistan in Karachi and start issuing visas to the businessmen as well to the tourists very soon. “Initially a visa councillor will be posted in Karachi and more staff to be added late on depending on the volume of visa applications flowing in at the consulate,” Tajik envoy said.

He said that Kassim is striving hard to boost bilateral trade and brotherly relations between the two countries and spearheading the Karachi Consulate. He further announced to form Pakistan-Tajikistan Business Forum (PTBF) very soon and he will visit Karachi by the end of this month in this regard.

“Tajik Air will operate two flights a week from June in the first place and will add Karachi and Lahore to its operation later on,” Zubaydov said adding that he is planning to set up a display centre of Tajikistan in Karachi for introduction and promotion of Tajik products in Pakistan. He said that the display centre would be a one room trading centre that would be extended further in late stage.

Moreover, tripartite negotiations between Tajikistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan are going on for Transit Trade Agreement and construction of road linking Pakistan with Tajikistan through Wakhan, Afghanistan.

He said that as a follow up of a big trade delegation from Pakistan to Tajikistan arranged by TDAP with the coordination of Tajik Embassy in Islamabad last year, National Bank of Pakistan has already opened up its branch in Dushanbe and banking channel has been established.