Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to work towards increasing bilateral trade to $1 billion, as both countries seek to expand economic cooperation. The Pakistan Bahrain trade target was announced during the third meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad after a five-year gap.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani co-chaired the meeting. Al Zayani was in Pakistan on a two-day official visit, during which he also held bilateral discussions with Dar before the commission session.
Dar said Pakistan and Bahrain had completed 55 years of diplomatic relations, with the anniversary of their ties falling on October 14. He stressed that meetings of the Joint Ministerial Commission should be held regularly and expressed hope that the next session would take place within a year.
Economic cooperation remained a key focus of the talks. Dar said both countries aimed to double bilateral trade within three years and reach the $1 billion Pakistan Bahrain trade target. He called for coordinated efforts to expand commercial ties and strengthen economic relations between the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 co-chaired the 3rd Session of the Pakistan–Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission with his Bahraini counterpart, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
The two sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and agreed to deepen collaboration in trade and investment, energy, agriculture and food security, information technology, health, education and labour. They also discussed measures to strengthen connectivity and promote people-to-people exchanges.
The DPM/FM underscored the importance of translating the longstanding and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Bahrain into tangible benefits for their people. He stressed effective implementation of the agreed outcomes through Joint Working Groups, institutional partnerships and regular follow-up.
The JMC was attended by high-level delegations from both sides. The Pakistani delegation included the Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division, the Acting Foreign Secretary, the Secretary SIFC and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments. Senior Bahraini officials and representatives of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry also participated.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 8, 2026
The discussions covered trade, investment, agriculture, industry and maritime affairs, along with education, culture, media and healthcare. Al Zayani said cooperation had been discussed across more than 15 sectors, adding that Bahrain wanted to further strengthen its partnership with Pakistan, particularly in investment and development.
The two sides also discussed regional security and the importance of diplomatic efforts amid continuing crises. Dar highlighted the need for secure maritime routes, particularly through the Bab-el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz, because of their importance to global trade and energy supplies. Bahrain also condemned attacks targeting Saudi cities and civilian infrastructure.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Pakistan and Bahrain signed the protocol of their Joint Ministerial Commission. Dar described the meeting as successful and said the next session would be held in Bahrain. Both sides also highlighted strong people-to-people links, including the contribution of the Pakistani community in Bahrain, and expressed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation.
