Pakistan, Bahrain Set $1 Billion Trade Target at Joint Ministerial Commission

Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to step up economic cooperation and work towards increasing bilateral trade to $1 billion, with a goal of doubling trade volume within three years. The target was set at the third meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad, held after a gap of five years and co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who was on a two-day official visit. At the end of the meeting, the two ministers signed the commission’s protocol, and the next meeting will be held in Bahrain.

Wide-Ranging Cooperation

Al Zayani said the discussions covered more than 15 sectors, including education, culture, agriculture, media, health and trade. Talks by the joint working groups, which concluded before the ministerial meeting, covered trade, investment, agriculture, maritime affairs and industrial cooperation.

Meetings to Be Held Yearly

Dar said the two countries have completed 55 years of diplomatic relations, with the anniversary falling on October 14. He said there should be no gap of more than one year between commission meetings and expressed the commitment to hold the next session within a year. He also said Pakistan looks forward to a visit by Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif awaiting dates. Dar thanked Bahrain for inaugurating the Islamabad University of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences Hospital there in September 2025.

Regional Diplomacy

The two sides discussed regional security and the importance of diplomacy. Dar stressed the importance of secure shipping through Bab-el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz for international trade and energy security. Al Zayani strongly condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia, including those on Makkah and Madinah, calling attacks on civilian infrastructure a violation of international law. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating talks between the United States and Iran.

People-to-People Ties

Dar highlighted the contribution of the Pakistani community in Bahrain to strengthening relations, while Al Zayani said the 55-year partnership provides a strong foundation for expanding cooperation in political, economic, social and development sectors.