Islamabad:
Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations by expanding trade volume to $1 billion and easing visa requirements, marking a significant step toward deeper economic and people-to-people ties.

According to an official statement, the Prime Minister of Pakistan met Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in Manama. Upon arrival at Qasr Al-Qudaibiya, the Prime Minister was accorded a guard of honor and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, praising Bahrain’s leadership for its role in strengthening bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister congratulated Bahrain on securing non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further enhancing cooperation during this period.

Focus on Economic Cooperation

Economic collaboration dominated the discussions. The Prime Minister highlighted that current bilateral trade stands at over $550 million and emphasized the shared goal of increasing it to $1 billion within the next three years. This target is expected to be achieved through measures such as the upcoming Pakistan–GCC Free Trade Agreement, which is in its final stages, and recent steps toward easing visa rules.

He invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in food security, information technology, construction, mining and minerals, healthcare, renewable energy, and tourism. He also proposed enhanced port-to-port connectivity between Karachi/Gwadar and Khalifa Bin Salman Port.

The Prime Minister appreciated Bahrain’s support for the Pakistani community of more than 150,000 people and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to providing skilled manpower. Cooperation in higher education, technical training, and digital governance was also welcomed. He thanked Bahrain for facilitating the construction of King Hamad University in Islamabad and for assistance in the release and repatriation of Pakistani nationals.

Defense, Security, and Regional Developments

Discussions also covered defense and security cooperation, with both sides agreeing to further collaboration in training, cybersecurity, defense production, and information sharing.

The two leaders exchanged views on the latest developments in Gaza, agreeing that the establishment of peace and stability is highly welcome for the people of Gaza, who have endured decades of hardship.

The meeting concluded with confidence that the dialogue would yield tangible outcomes and further elevate strategic, economic, security, and people-to-people relations.

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Prime Minister Meets King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

The Prime Minister also met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, where both leaders discussed the strong and historic partnership between the two brotherly countries. The Prime Minister thanked the King for the warm reception and praised Bahrain’s longstanding goodwill toward Pakistan, as well as its leadership in promoting peace, tolerance, and coexistence.

During the meeting, King Hamad conferred the Order of Bahrain (First Class)—the country’s highest honor bestowed upon world leaders—on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

The King noted that Bahrain takes pride in its historic connection with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who, according to official records, served as Bahrain’s legal representative.

Both sides reviewed the positive momentum in bilateral relations and agreed to further expand cooperation in political, economic, defense, and cultural sectors. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties based on shared faith and mutual respect.

He thanked Bahrain’s leadership for cooperation across various fields, including the establishment of King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad, expected in September 2025.

On economic relations, the Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s desire to expand trade and investment, noting that the Pakistan–GCC Free Trade Agreement will provide new opportunities. Bahraini investors were invited to explore investment prospects in Pakistan through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), particularly in food security, IT, construction, mining, tourism, and healthcare.

The Prime Minister also praised the facilities and hospitality provided to Pakistanis in Bahrain and thanked the King for facilitating the repatriation of Pakistani prisoners. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the long-standing defense partnership, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in technical training, logistics, manpower, and defense production.

They again discussed the situation in Gaza, agreeing that peace and stability for its people are long-awaited and deeply welcomed.

The visit concluded with both sides expressing confidence that it would further strengthen the enduring friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain.