Pakistan has formally proposed the resumption of direct air links with Turkmenistan as a strategic step to deepen bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Faryal Leghari announced in an article published in the state-run newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan.
“Another key proposal from Pakistan is to reinstate direct flights between our two countries,” Leghari stated, highlighting the untapped potential of connecting a market of over 240 million Pakistanis with Ashgabat via a two-hour flight — and onward through Turkmenistan Airlines’ network to Europe, Russia, China, and the Asia-Pacific region.
The ambassador emphasized that restored air connectivity would unlock new opportunities across multiple sectors:
- Trade: Faster delivery of perishable goods — including Pakistani mangoes, citrus, vegetables, meat, and rice — to Central Asian markets.
- Medical tourism: Easier access for Turkmen patients to Pakistan’s advanced and affordable healthcare facilities.
- Education & culture: Exchange programs, Urdu-Turkmen language courses, and plans for an international school in Ashgabat. Pakistan is also ready to offer scholarships to Turkmen students.
On the trade front, Pakistan has already streamlined business visas for Turkmen entrepreneurs — issuing them within 24 hours. Ambassador Leghari identified textiles as a priority sector: Turkmen cotton, yarn, and wool could flow into Pakistan’s manufacturing hubs, while Pakistani garments and home textiles could capture growing demand in Turkmenistan.
This initiative signals Pakistan’s broader push to strengthen economic and cultural bridges with Central Asia — positioning Turkmenistan as a vital gateway to Eurasia.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
Sept. 23, 2025