Islamabad: Pakistan and Bahrain signed the agreed minutes of the third session of their Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) on Thursday, committing to establish a joint working group focused on trade and investment. The two countries also pledged to expedite the finalization of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. The announcement came during a joint press conference held by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
Dr Al Zayani highlighted that the minutes covered cooperation across more than 15 sectors. Besides trade and investment, the two sides agreed to convene the joint working group on energy next month, addressing oil, gas, and mineral resources. They also committed to enhancing collaboration in areas such as food security, information technology, law enforcement, media, labor mobility, health, education, culture, and sports.
He emphasized Bahrain’s role as the current GCC president in accelerating the approval process of the Free Trade Agreement and noted that both countries had a mandate from their prime ministers to double bilateral trade within three years. “We will review progress at the fourth session in Bahrain,” Al Zayani added.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that discussions had included agriculture, energy, sports, tourism, and business-to-business relations. He confirmed the establishment of joint working groups in specific sectors with the objective of doubling bilateral trade. The two nations also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in labor mobility, vocational training, and human resource development to create opportunities for skilled Pakistani professionals and workers.
The JMC session was held after a five-year hiatus. Dar expressed the intention to make it an annual event and committed to attending the fourth session in Manama in 2027. “Unlike today’s session, which took place after five years, I will ensure to find a day within 365 days during 2027,” he said, pledging to fulfill this promise.
On regional matters, the two ministers exchanged views on the evolving Gulf situation, stressing the importance of restraint, de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy. They discussed the critical need to ensure safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, given their significance to global food and energy security. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at peace and stability in the region.
Al Zayani noted ongoing attacks on commercial vessels in both strategic straits and praised Pakistan’s principled stance during the crisis, including its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and facilitation of US-Iran dialogue through Islamabad talks. As fellow non-permanent Security Council members, Bahrain and Pakistan will continue close coordination.
He strongly condemned the attacks on Abha International and King Khalid International airports in Saudi Arabia on October 6 and 7, which caused casualties among citizens and residents. He also denounced Houthi attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including in Makkah and Madinah, calling such acts a blatant violation of international and humanitarian law and a threat to civil aviation safety. Bahrain expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Regarding Palestine, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights. Both sides expressed concern over illegal settlement expansion and attempts to alter the status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, emphasizing the need for unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza and a just, lasting solution consistent with UN resolutions.
On South Asia, Dar stressed the importance of ensuring Afghan territory is not used against Pakistan. He also addressed the Indus Waters Treaty, condemning India’s unilateral decision to suspend the treaty as a material breach of international law and a dangerous attempt to weaponize shared water resources. He warned that such actions threaten the water, food, and energy security of Pakistan’s 250 million people.
When asked about bilateral relations, Al Zayani described them as “very healthy and strong,” valued by Bahrain’s king, crown prince, and people. He referenced recent visits by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in November 2025 and President Asif Ali Zardari in January 2026. He highlighted the frank and truthful nature of the relationship and noted that over 140,000 Pakistanis work in Bahrain, with both countries now seeking greater tangible outcomes.
Dar recalled Al Zayani’s continued engagement during the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict and Pakistan’s mediation efforts between the US and Iran, emphasizing their close coordination in international forums. Al Zayani also mentioned the upcoming 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations on October 14 and noted the King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad. He was scheduled to meet with President Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir later that day.
Both ministers reiterated their commitment to elevating trade and economic ties to new heights, underscoring the strategic importance of their partnership.
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