By Junaid Qaiser
Pakistan and Bahrain have a longstanding relationship built on shared faith, mutual respect, strategic trust and deep people-to-people connections. Yet, as regional dynamics evolve and economic challenges demand new partnerships, the two countries have an opportunity to take their relationship beyond traditional diplomacy. The third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), held in Islamabad on October 8, has opened new horizons for cooperation in trade, investment, information technology, energy and defence.
The visit of Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani was particularly significant as Pakistan and Bahrain mark 55 years of diplomatic relations. His meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari reflected a shared determination to give bilateral relations greater economic and strategic substance.
The message from Islamabad was clear: the friendship between the two countries must translate into practical opportunities for businesses, professionals and young people.
One of the most important outcomes of the JMC was the agreement to work towards doubling bilateral trade to $1 billion within three years. Both sides signed the protocol covering more than 15 areas of cooperation and agreed to establish a joint working group on trade and investment. A separate working group on energy is expected to meet next month to explore opportunities in oil, gas and minerals.
These commitments provide a framework for progress. The priority now is to ensure that agreements are followed by concrete projects, greater private-sector engagement and measurable economic results.
Bahrain occupies an important position within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and offers opportunities for Pakistani businesses seeking to expand their presence in Gulf markets. Its regional connections, commercial environment and growing demand for professional services make it a valuable partner for Pakistan.
For Islamabad, stronger economic ties with Manama can support export growth, attract investment and create employment. Pakistan has considerable potential in agriculture, food processing, construction, healthcare, logistics and digital services. Bahrain, in turn, can benefit from Pakistani expertise, competitive services and a large pool of skilled professionals.
Achieving the $1 billion trade target will require a focused strategy. Both governments should identify priority products and industries, facilitate business delegations, address regulatory obstacles and encourage direct partnerships between companies. The proposed joint working group must serve as a practical mechanism for removing barriers rather than becoming another forum for discussion without implementation.
Progress towards the GCC-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement is equally important. Bahrain, holding the GCC presidency, has expressed its commitment to advancing the process. A successful agreement could strengthen market access and create new opportunities for Pakistani exporters across the Gulf.
Pakistan should use its diplomatic engagement with Bahrain to maintain momentum on this initiative while preparing its businesses to compete effectively in regional markets.
Information technology is one of the most promising areas of future cooperation. Pakistan’s young workforce includes professionals skilled in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing and digital services. These capabilities can support Bahrain’s economic diversification and help its businesses adopt modern technologies.
The Pakistani diaspora can play an important role in this process. Pakistanis already working in Bahrain understand the local market, maintain professional networks and have established relationships with employers and institutions. They can help connect Pakistani businesses with Bahraini partners and guide young professionals towards relevant opportunities.
During his visit, Al Zayani met Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations statement, the meeting covered bilateral defence cooperation, matters of mutual interest and the regional security situation.
Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening defence and security ties, while the Bahraini foreign minister appreciated the professionalism and operational preparedness of the Pakistan Armed Forces. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution to regional peace and stability.
This engagement underlines the strategic importance of a relationship that extends beyond commercial interests. Future cooperation can include professional exchanges, training and institutional coordination in areas of shared concern.
The two countries also discussed regional tensions and emphasised restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. Their concern about freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb reflects the importance of secure maritime routes to international trade and energy supplies.
The meetings in Islamabad have provided fresh momentum to Pakistan-Bahrain relations. The next step is implementation. The joint working groups must begin their work, businesses should be encouraged to develop partnerships, and progress towards the trade target must be reviewed regularly.
