Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to deepen trade and economic cooperation as the two countries held the third session of their Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Islamabad.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani co-chaired the meeting. The session focused on expanding bilateral trade, investment, energy and economic relations.
Trade Target Set at $1 Billion
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to increasing bilateral trade with Bahrain to the $1 billion target agreed earlier.
He also called for stronger business-to-business engagement. According to Dar, closer private-sector cooperation can complement government efforts and help expand trade.
Meanwhile, both sides discussed a potential Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) free trade agreement. Al Zayani said the agreement was nearing completion.
New Working Groups on Trade and Energy
The two countries agreed to establish a joint working group on trade and investment. They also plan to convene an energy working group next month.
The energy talks will cover oil, gas and minerals. In addition, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in food security, information technology, health, education, labour, media, law enforcement, culture and sports.
Focus on Skilled Labour and Qualifications
Pakistan also called for greater labour mobility between the two countries. Dar urged Bahrain to support the recognition of Pakistani degrees and professional qualifications.
This step could help skilled Pakistani workers access more opportunities in Bahrain.
More than 140,000 Pakistanis currently live in Bahrain and contribute to the country’s economy, according to Al Zayani.
Strengthening Economic and People-to-People Links
The JMC also addressed connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides emphasized the importance of turning their longstanding relationship into practical economic benefits.
Furthermore, the two governments agreed to follow up on decisions through joint working groups and institutional partnerships.
Pakistan Raises Indus Waters Treaty Issue
During the joint press briefing, Dar also raised India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.
He described the move as a breach of international law and said it could affect Pakistan’s water, food and energy security. This statement reflects Pakistan’s position on the dispute.
Diplomatic Relations Enter 55th Year
Pakistan and Bahrain will mark 55 years of diplomatic relations on October 14.
Al Zayani said recent high-level visits have given fresh momentum to bilateral ties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Bahrain in November 2025, while President Asif Ali Zardari visited the kingdom in January 2026.
The latest JMC session therefore comes as both countries seek to translate their longstanding relations into greater trade, investment and economic cooperation.
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