ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to double bilateral trade and expand cooperation across trade, investment, energy, information technology, education, logistics and maritime affairs as the two countries concluded the third session of their Joint Ministerial Commission.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the meeting was particularly significant as Pakistan and Bahrain are marking 55 years of diplomatic relations, with both sides agreeing to activate joint working groups in multiple sectors to translate political goodwill into tangible economic and commercial cooperation.
Joint Press Stakeout: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MishaqDar50 and the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. https://t.co/VMTUbAna8D
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 8, 2026
Addressing a joint media interaction with Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Dar said the protocol of the third session of the Joint Ministerial Commission had been signed, while the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, industry, agriculture, food security, skills development, higher education, IT, logistics and maritime affairs.
Expanding Cooperation
He said joint working groups would be established in areas including trade and investment, oil and gas, information technology, health, education, culture and sports, adding that regular meetings of these groups would help maintain momentum on bilateral cooperation.
Dar said the two sides also agreed to strengthen links between their business communities and create new opportunities for Pakistani skilled workers and professionals.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 co-chaired the 3rd Session of the Pakistan–Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission with his Bahraini counterpart, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
The two sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and agreed to deepen collaboration in trade and investment, energy, agriculture and food security, information technology, health, education and labour. They also discussed measures to strengthen connectivity and promote people-to-people exchanges.
The DPM/FM underscored the importance of translating the longstanding and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Bahrain into tangible benefits for their people. He stressed effective implementation of the agreed outcomes through Joint Working Groups, institutional partnerships and regular follow-up.
The JMC was attended by high-level delegations from both sides. The Pakistani delegation included the Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division, the Acting Foreign Secretary, the Secretary SIFC and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments. Senior Bahraini officials and representatives of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry also participated.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 8, 2026
“Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to enhance cooperation in labour mobility, technical training and human resource development,” he said, highlighting the contribution of the Pakistani community in Bahrain as a strong bridge between the two brotherly countries.
Dar also called for stronger links between the Pakistani and Bahraini business communities and the creation of new opportunities for Pakistani skilled workers and professionals.
He described the Pakistani community in Bahrain as an important bridge between the two countries.
Gulf Security
Regional security and the rapidly changing situation in the Gulf were also discussed during the meeting.
Both sides stressed the importance of restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy, while Dar underlined the need to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.
He described both maritime routes as vital to global food and energy security.
“Pakistan will continue to play a constructive role through diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region,” Dar said.
Al Zayani said Bahrain highly valued Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region.
He also condemned attacks by Houthi militants against Bahrain, saying attacks on civilian buildings and infrastructure constituted violations of international law.
Palestine, Afghanistan
On Palestine, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people and expressed concern over attempts to alter the status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
He called for immediate and unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza and said the Palestinian issue should be resolved through a just and lasting settlement in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
The foreign ministers also discussed Afghanistan and the situation in South Asia.
Dar stressed that Afghan territory must not be allowed to be used against Pakistan.
He also raised Pakistan’s concerns over India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing the move as a serious violation of international law.
Dar warned that attempts to weaponise shared water resources could threaten the water, food and energy security of Pakistan’s 250 million people.
Stronger Ties
Al Zayani said the two countries maintained transparent relations based on mutual respect and described the Joint Ministerial Commission meeting as highly productive.
He said the agreed working groups would continue meeting to follow up on the understandings reached during the session.
The Bahraini foreign minister also highlighted the contribution of around 140,000 Pakistanis living in Bahrain, describing them as hardworking members of society who contribute significantly to the country’s development.
Dar said Al Zayani had remained in close contact with Pakistan during its recent conflict with India and amid US-Iran diplomatic engagement.
During his visit, the Bahraini foreign minister said he would meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and convey the good wishes of Bahrain’s leadership.
The two sides reaffirmed their resolve to consolidate their longstanding relationship and expand practical cooperation for mutual economic and strategic benefit.
