Pakistan Seeks Revival Of Cathay Pacific Flights To Strengthen Hong Kong Ties.
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Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan formally urged Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu to explore the resumption of Cathay Pacific flights to Pakistan, aiming to significantly expand bilateral trade, investment, tourism, and business connectivity. During high-level discussions in Hong Kong, Jam Kamal emphasized that direct air links are crucial for unlocking deeper commercial exchanges, easing travel for business delegations, and supporting the large Pakistani diaspora residing in the special administrative region. The push aligns with Pakistan's broader strategy to broaden economic partnerships across major Asian financial and trading hubs.Chief Executive John Lee welcomed the proposal, acknowledging Pakistan’s steadfast diplomatic relations and its ongoing participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. While any potential return by Cathay Pacific—which previously suspended its Pakistan operations—would depend on commercial assessments and formal coordination with aviation authorities, the overture underscores Islamabad's aggressive diplomatic push to enhance regional air corridors and strengthen integration within global trade networks.
Pakistan has asked Hong Kong to explore the resumption of Cathay Pacific flights to Pakistan, linking the move to efforts to expand trade, tourism, investment and business connectivity between the two markets.
The proposal was raised by Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan during a meeting with Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, where both sides discussed ways to deepen economic cooperation and people-to-people connections.
Jam Kamal stressed that stronger air connectivity between Pakistan and Hong Kong could create new opportunities for business-to-business engagement and make commercial exchanges easier. He also called for greater cooperation in services, aviation and finance.
The push for the return of Cathay Pacific flights comes as Pakistan seeks to expand its economic relationship with Hong Kong beyond conventional merchandise trade. Better direct connectivity could support Pakistani exporters, investors, business travellers and tourists seeking access to Hong Kong and wider Asian markets.
The Pakistani minister also highlighted the Pakistani diaspora in Hong Kong, noting its contribution to Pakistan’s economy through remittances and its role in strengthening people-to-people links between the two sides.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee welcomed Pakistan’s engagement and highlighted the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and China, including Pakistan’s contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative. He also stressed the importance of stability and reduced tensions for global economic growth.
The two sides agreed to continue exploring areas of mutual economic interest, with Pakistan seeking deeper cooperation in trade, finance, aviation and other services. Jam Kamal also invited John Lee to visit Pakistan.
A revival of Cathay Pacific Pakistan flights would therefore represent more than an additional air route, potentially improving commercial connectivity between Pakistan and one of Asia’s major financial and trading centres. Any resumption, however, would depend on discussions with the airline and relevant aviation authorities.
