ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Oman have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, maritime security and human resource development, while underscoring the need for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy to address regional tensions, particularly those affecting vital international shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, addressing a joint press conference with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi on Wednesday, reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
The two foreign ministers expressed concern over the evolving regional situation, stressed the importance of freedom and security of navigation, and called for diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 and Foreign Minister of Oman H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi @badralbusaidi co-chaired the 8th Session of the Pakistan–Oman Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad today.
The two sides reaffirmed their close fraternal ties and commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, maritime and logistics connectivity, agriculture, industry, energy, workforce mobility, human resource development, education, IT, media and climate change, among other areas.
Both Ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties, facilitating workforce mobility, and promoting exchanges of business delegations from both countries to unlock new opportunities for trade, investment and institutional collaboration.
DPM/FM stressed the need for timely implementation of agreed outcomes through close institutional coordination and sustained engagement between Joint Working Group meetings.
The Omani Foreign Minister thanked Pakistan for its warm hospitality, appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and security, and reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 14, 2026
They also discussed the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the situation in Gaza and Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, and the Indus Waters Treaty.
The press conference followed the successful conclusion of the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission, co-chaired by Dar and Al Busaidi, which reviewed bilateral relations and identified avenues for strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.
Dar welcomed the Omani foreign minister and his delegation, describing the discussions as friendly and constructive and reflective of the deep-rooted friendship, mutual trust and fraternal ties between the two countries.
He said both sides had reaffirmed their shared resolve to expand cooperation and would sign the protocol of the eighth session of the Joint Ministerial Commission, alongside an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special service and official passports.
The visa exemption agreement is expected to facilitate official visits and exchanges of delegations, further strengthening institutional contacts between the two brotherly countries.
Trade and Investment
Several memorandums of understanding and bilateral agreements would also be signed, covering the exchange of news and information, communications and information technology, historical documents, records and archives management, and cooperation in the media sector.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a cordial meeting with H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi @badralbusaidi ahead of the 8th Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial session.
The two Ministers reaffirmed the close, fraternal ties between Pakistan and Oman and underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement to deepen cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, particularly trade, investment and people-to-people contacts.
Exchanging views on regional developments, the two Ministers emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in advancing lasting peace and stability. The Omani Foreign Minister commended Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and security. DPM/FM also acknowledged and appreciated Oman’s constructive role and its shared aspirations for regional peace and stability.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 14, 2026
Dar said a key outcome of the commission’s meeting was the strengthening of institutional mechanisms through the establishment and activation of joint working groups in trade and investment, agriculture, oil and gas, labour, and human resource development.
These mechanisms, he said, would ensure regular engagement and effective implementation of decisions taken by the commission.
Economic Cooperation
Emphasising the significant untapped potential in bilateral economic relations, Dar said Pakistan and Oman welcomed closer interaction between their respective business communities and encouraged greater investment in special economic zones and free trade zones.
He said both sides had agreed to organise a business-to-business forum in Pakistan at the earliest opportunity to promote investment and trade, expressing hope that the initiative would materialise in the near future.
“Business-to-business cooperation is the foundation for promoting bilateral trade,” Dar said, adding that although the existing trade volume between the two countries was satisfactory, there was considerable room for further expansion.
He stressed the need to facilitate direct contacts between Pakistani and Omani businesses to identify investment opportunities and develop mutually beneficial partnerships.
Dar also highlighted Oman’s strategic geographical location and proximity to Pakistan, describing the Gulf state as a close and important partner for Islamabad, particularly in facilitating access to the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
He said the two countries had also discussed cooperation involving China and Central Asia, noting that closer economic engagement could generate benefits for both sides.
The deputy prime minister acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistani community in Oman, describing it as a strong bridge between the two countries.
He added that both governments were committed to expanding cooperation in labour mobility, vocational training and human resource development to create new opportunities for skilled Pakistani professionals and workers in Oman.
Support for Saudi Arabia
Referring to the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, Dar said he had conveyed Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the attacks during discussions with his Omani counterpart.
He said the attacks had caused casualties, including fatalities, with one Pakistani among those killed and five Pakistani nationals injured.
Dar stressed that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure was unacceptable, while the Omani foreign minister fully endorsed the position that such attacks violated international law and posed a serious threat to regional peace and security.
The deputy prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Islamabad’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
The two sides also exchanged views on the changing security situation in the Gulf and emphasised restraint, de-escalation and diplomatic engagement as essential measures for maintaining regional stability.
Regional Diplomacy
Dar said Pakistan and Oman had underscored the urgent need to ensure safe and unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, describing the two maritime passages as critically important for regional and global food and energy security.
He noted that Oman remained committed to playing a constructive diplomatic role in promoting peace and stability across the region.
The Omani foreign minister, in his remarks, said both countries attached fundamental importance to dialogue, diplomacy and constructive engagement in addressing regional challenges and preventing further escalation.
He said Oman appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in supporting diplomatic efforts and facilitating dialogue, including between Iran and the United States.
Al Busaidi described such efforts as important for creating opportunities for communication, building confidence and advancing peaceful solutions to regional challenges.
Responding to a question about the Iran-US negotiations, the Omani foreign minister expressed hope that progress on broader issues between the two countries would be achieved in due course, stressing that these matters were also critical to restoring normal maritime traffic in the region.
He said Oman remained committed to freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted movement of shipping, adding that the resumption of normal maritime activity was vital for both the regional and global economies.
Oman, he said, would fully support all efforts aimed at achieving these objectives.
Palestine, Kashmir and Afghanistan
Dar said the two sides had also discussed the grave situation in Palestine and reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled and unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights.
He said they had expressed concern over the continued expansion of illegal settlements and attempts to alter the status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
Both sides emphasised the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and reiterated their support for a just and lasting settlement in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
Dar said he had also raised the Jammu and Kashmir dispute with the Omani delegation, reiterating Pakistan’s call for a just and peaceful resolution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
On Afghanistan, he said Pakistan had emphasised that Afghan territory must not be used for any activity against Pakistan.
The two sides also discussed regional developments, including the Indus Waters Treaty. Dar maintained that India’s unilateral decision to hold the treaty in abeyance constituted a serious violation of international law and a dangerous attempt to deprive Pakistan of its shared water resources.
He said such actions threatened the water, food and energy security of Pakistan’s 250 million people.
Oman Reaffirms Commitment to Stronger Partnership
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi said the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission had provided an important opportunity to review bilateral relations and identify practical ways to deepen cooperation.
He said the longstanding relationship between the two countries was founded on shared history, geographical proximity, mutual respect and enduring people-to-people ties.
The discussions focused on expanding economic and commercial cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, port connectivity and logistics, energy, food security, tourism, technology and other areas of mutual interest.
Al Busaidi said both sides recognised the need to translate the considerable potential in these sectors into tangible opportunities for businesses, investors and their respective economies.
He also highlighted the importance of sustained institutional engagement, closer private-sector partnerships and expanded cooperation in education, science, technology and people-to-people exchanges.
The Omani foreign minister said both countries were committed to working together to address regional challenges through dialogue, diplomacy and constructive engagement, to reduce tensions and promote peace and stability.
Joint Ministerial Commission Session in Oman
Dar announced that Pakistan would host the ninth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission in Oman in 2027, following an invitation from Al Busaidi.
He expressed confidence that continued engagement and the implementation of agreements reached during the eighth session would further strengthen bilateral relations and deliver tangible benefits for both countries.
The Omani foreign minister said both sides looked forward to advancing the outcomes of the meeting and sustaining the momentum towards a more dynamic, mutually beneficial and forward-looking partnership.
