Shehbaz orders feasibility study for direct Pakistan–Maldives flights
The prime minister told aviation officials to work out how to get the first flight to Malé off the ground, as he and President Muizzu pushed for closer trade and travel links.
The story so far
Muizzu in Pakistan
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s October 2026 visit to Pakistan, the first by a Maldivian president in 11 years.
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Thursday 22 October 2026
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00:01
ANALYSIS
Through the Maldives, Pakistan stakes a claim to a bigger Indian Ocean role
A maritime security pact signed during President Muizzu’s visit gives Islamabad a foothold in waters New Delhi has long treated as its own backyard.
Wednesday 21 October 2026
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23:49
DEFENSE
Asim Munir and Maldives’ Muizzu agree to deepen defence cooperation
The army chief met the Maldivian president in Islamabad on the second day of the first visit by a Maldivian head of state in 11 years, as the two countries signed a defence and maritime security pact.
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21:01
INTERNATIONAL
Pakistan pledges 100,000 olive cuttings for Maldives’ tree drive and offers data-centre expertise
At a joint stakeout with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Shehbaz Sharif also offered Pakistan’s data-centre know-how and set a target of lifting trade from $13.9 million to $200 million in two years.
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12:45
INTERNATIONAL
Pakistan, Maldives sign 20 MoUs as Shehbaz hosts Muizzu in Islamabad
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's first visit to Pakistan in 11 years yields 20 agreements spanning defence, maritime security, trade and tourism, as Shehbaz Sharif pledges to strengthen ties.
