PM Shehbaz seeks stronger Bahrain ties in trade, energy during meeting with FM Al Zayani
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for further strengthening Pakistan-Bahrain cooperation in trade, investment, energy and human resource development, as he reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to expanding the two countries’ “longstanding and brotherly relations”.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who was visiting Pakistan to co-chair the 3rd Session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on X, Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the “positive trajectory of bilateral relations” and said Pakistan remained committed to expanding cooperation with Bahrain in key areas.
Welcoming Al Zayani, the prime minister conveyed his best wishes to the Bahraini leadership and people and highlighted the close ties between the two countries, which he said were rooted in shared values, mutual trust and strong people-to-people contacts.
His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Pakistan to Co-Chair the 3rd Session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), along with the… pic.twitter.com/swgwH2RJAo
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) October 8, 2026
Al Zayani conveyed the greetings and good wishes of the Bahraini leadership to Shehbaz and reaffirmed Manama’s commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments and stressed the importance of continued consultations and coordination on issues of mutual interest, according to the statement.
Al Zayani appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and mediation efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, today. pic.twitter.com/MVRRlzZTnC
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) October 8, 2026
Shehbaz expressed confidence that the 3rd Session of the Pakistan-Bahrain JMC would provide fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation and help deepen the “multifaceted relationship” between the two countries.
The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the close and longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Bahrain, the statement concluded.
Meeting of Bahrain FM with President Zardari
Later in the day, Bahrain’s FM Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani called on President Asif Ali Zardari to enhance ties between the two countries.
The president met FM Al-Zayani at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, a statement issued by the president’s office on social media said.
The statement further outlined that the two sides held a restricted meeting followed by delegation-level talks during which President Zardari said Pakistan was keen to translate strong bilateral political relations into deeper trade and investment ties.
He identified food security, information technology and digital services, construction, mining, port handling, research and development, tourism and healthcare as key areas offering opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
The president also stressed the importance of greater business-to-business engagement between the two.
President Zardari in a meeting with Bahrain’s FM Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani on October 8, 2026 at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Photo: President Office
President Zardari appreciated Bahrain’s warm welcome of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, as well as its recognition of Pakistan’s efforts to promote “regional peace, security and stability”.
He described Pakistan and Bahrain as longstanding defence partners, noting that their cooperation was reflected in joint military exercises, high-level exchanges and institutional ties.
Pakistan, he added, was ready to further expand cooperation with Bahrain in manpower, logistics, training and defence hardware.
According to the official statement, the president also thanked Bahrain for its support and opportunities for the more than 134,000 Pakistanis living in the kingdom and welcomed continued cooperation on issues concerning the Pakistani diaspora.
“Talking about the regional situation, the President said Pakistan remains committed to constructive engagement with all parties to build trust, bridge gaps and promote lasting peace, security and stability in the region,” it highlighted further.
FM Al-Zayani conveyed the greetings of Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to President Zardari.
Speaking on meetings of the Pakistan-Bahrain JMC, FM Al-Zayani said it had remained highly productive and covered several important areas of bilateral cooperation.
“President’s visit to Bahrain has left a significant and positive impact on bilateral relations,” the statement noted.
On regional developments, Al-Zayani praised Pakistan’s efforts to mediate between warring parties and bring them to the negotiating table. He said Pakistan’s actions had helped save many lives, invoking the Quranic teaching that saving one life is akin to saving all humanity.
The Bahraini minister also congratulated Pakistan on its successful tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
President calls for stronger Pakistan-Bahrain trade, investment and security cooperation
President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Bahrain and expressed the desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade,… pic.twitter.com/eNu4oBCgc8
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 8, 2026
“During the delegation-level meeting, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani was accompanied by Ambassador of Bahrain to Pakistan Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed Abdulqader, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Hamad Ali Al Mannai, Major General Abdulaziz Mayoof Al-Rumaihi, Director-General of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science, Ministry of Interior, Shaikh Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Eng. Mohammed Mirza Al-Oraibi, Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture Affairs, Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, and Yousif Salahuddin Ibrahim Salahuddin, First Vice Chairman, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” the official statement detailed.
It added that from the Pakistani side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan Syed Naveed Qamar, the Ministry of Economic Affairs secretary and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Pakistan, Bahrain agree to form joint trade group, push GCC free trade deal
Pakistan and Bahrain agreed to establish a joint working group on trade and investment and committed to “finalising” the GCC-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said on Thursday.
The understanding was reached during the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), co-chaired by Al Zayani and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, where the two sides signed agreed minutes covering more than 15 areas of cooperation.
“We agreed to establish a joint working group on trade and investment, to convene the joint working group on energy next month on oil, gas, and minerals, and to take forward cooperation in food security, information technology, law enforcement, media, labour mobility, health, education, culture, and sport,” Al Zayani said during a joint press conference.
Bahrain also said it would use its presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to speed up the signing or approval of the free trade agreement, while the two countries aimed to double bilateral trade over the next three years.
Al Zayani said the bilateral relationship was “very healthy and strong” and was valued by Bahrain’s King, Crown Prince and Prime Minister and the Bahraini people. “We have to double the trade during the three years,” he said, outlining the economic target agreed by the two sides.
FM Dar said the JMC had been “comprehensive and productive”, with discussions covering agriculture, energy, sports, tourism and business-to-business cooperation.
#Live: Deputy Prime Minister @MIshaqDar50 and Foreign Minister of Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, are addressing a joint news conference in Islamabad@ForeignOfficePk @bahdiplomatic #News #RadioPakistan https://t.co/WRCr2yBxYj
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) October 8, 2026
The two sides also sought to expand cooperation in industrial collaboration, food security, skills development, higher education, information technology, logistics and maritime affairs, while strengthening engagement between their business communities.
Dar highlighted the Pakistani community in Bahrain as a bridge between the two countries and reaffirmed cooperation in labour mobility, vocational training and human-resource development for skilled Pakistani professionals and workers.
“We are on the same page,” Dar said, referring to the close coordination between Pakistan and Bahrain at bilateral and multilateral forums. He said the two countries regularly met on the margins of international meetings and remained in consultation on issues of mutual interest.
The ministers also exchanged views on the ongoing US-Iran crisis and stressed “restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy” as the means of addressing regional tensions.
Al Zayani appreciated Pakistan’s “principled positions” during the crisis, including its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and its efforts with international partners to facilitate US-Iran dialogue and de-escalation.
“We appreciate Pakistan’s efforts with partners to facilitate the dialogue between the United States and Iran, including hosting the talks in Islamabad,” Al Zayani said.
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.
In the press conference, both ministers stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, given their significance for regional and global food and energy security.
“Bahrain strongly condemns the terrorist attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khaled International Airport, and the Houthi attacks on Saudi civilians and facilities, including the assaults on Mecca and Madina,” he said. “Targeting airports and civilian facilities violates international law and international humanitarian law and threatens civil aviation,” Al Zayani added.
He expressed Bahrain’s “full solidarity” with Saudi Arabia and conveyed condolences to the victims and wishes for the recovery of those injured.
On Palestine, FM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Palestinians and their “inalienable rights”, while expressing concern over the expansion of illegal settlements and attempts to alter the status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
“We also called for urgent and unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza and reiterated our support for a just and lasting solution in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions,” Dar said.
The ministers said they discussed Afghanistan and the Indus Waters Treaty, with Pakistan stressing the need to ensure that foreign territory was not used against it.
FM Dar stated that India’s unilateral decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance was a “material breach of international law” and a “dangerous attempt to weaponise shared water resources”.
He said the move threatened the water, food and energy security of 250 million Pakistanis.
The Bahraini foreign minister said bilateral ties had gained momentum through recent high-level exchanges, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Bahrain in November 2025 and President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit in January 2026.
Al Zayani noted that October 14 would mark the “55 years” of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Bahrain.
He also highlighted the King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad and the role of more than 140,000 Pakistanis living and working in Bahrain in strengthening ties between the two countries.
Al Zayani described the relationship as “very truthful”, saying both sides were frank with each other, understood their respective constraints and respected one another. “Now we are seeking more delivery and more results for the future,” he said.
Dar recalled Al Zayani’s support during the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict and his role in efforts to facilitate US-Iran dialogue. “We meet frequently at multilateral fora, and we are constantly in touch and consult each other on international issues,” Dar said.
He also thanked Bahrain for the welcome and hospitality extended to President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz during their recent visits.
The two countries also agreed to continue coordination at the United Nations, where both are serving as non-permanent members of the Security Council. Al Zayani said the two sides would continue their coordination and joint efforts in New York and at other international forums.
Dar said the next JMC would be held in Bahrain in 2027, within 365 days of the current session, after the latest meeting had taken place five years after the previous one.
The Bahraini minister was also scheduled to call on President Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir during his visit.
Al Zayani said the visit had reaffirmed the “strategic nature” of Pakistan-Bahrain relations and the two countries’ determination to translate their agreements into practical outcomes for peace, stability and prosperity.
Earlier in the day, FM Dar held talks with Al Zayani in Islamabad, with the two sides discussing ways to expand cooperation in trade, economic and investment relations, the FO said in a statement on X.
“The two Ministers reviewed Pakistan–Bahrain relations and expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in high-level engagement between the two countries,” the FO said.
They also discussed engagement through multilateral forums and exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a cordial meeting with H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
The two Ministers reviewed Pakistan–Bahrain… pic.twitter.com/fB8aNIh9N8
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 8, 2026
“The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest and underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most viable means of addressing challenges and resolving disputes,” the FO said.
Earlier, the FO said Al Zayani was received by FM Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the two leaders were scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting and co-chair the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission.
“The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting and co-chair the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission,” the FO said in the earlier statement.
H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, was received by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting and… pic.twitter.com/L40PUhRR8H
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 8, 2026
Al Zayani arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday night for a two-day visit from October 7-8 at the invitation of FM Dar. He was received at the airport by Economic Affairs Division Secretary Muhammad Humair Karim and Additional Secretary (Middle East) Zahid Hussain.