Former Pakistani film actress Shabnam has requested the government to restore direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh. She made the appeal following the recent improvement in bilateral relations.

Direct flights between the two countries have been suspended for several years. Previously, a direct air service was available for travellers. Currently, passengers must rely on connecting flights. Although there are no travel restrictions, the absence of direct flights limits ease of travel. Officials indicate that direct flights could resume soon.

Last week, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Bangladesh. He became the first Pakistani foreign minister in nearly 15 years to visit the country. During the visit, he met Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Secretary H.E.M.D. Touhid Hossain, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and other political and religious leaders.

Six agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed between the two countries during the visit. At a function in Dhaka, Pakistani films and dramas were also discussed. Shabnam attended the event and met Ishaq Dar.

During their meeting, Shabnam praised Pakistani fans who continue to contact her by phone and invite her to Pakistan. She urged the Deputy Prime Minister to facilitate the resumption of direct flights.

Shabnam began her acting career before 1960. She worked continuously in the Pakistani film industry until the mid-1980s. Over her career, she appeared in nearly 200 films, mostly in Urdu. She won around a dozen awards for her outstanding performances.

Born Jharna Basak in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), she received her early education there. Her first film was in Bengali. She later moved to West Pakistan and became a top choice for Lahore filmmakers. She worked alongside legendary actors such as Waheed Murad, Mohammad Ali, and Nadeem.

Shabnam married renowned musician Robin Ghosh in 1964. The couple moved to Bangladesh in 1996. They returned to Pakistan around 2012. In 2017, Shabnam made a solo visit to Pakistan.

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