The two countries also target doubling bilateral trade within three years while expanding cooperation in investment, energy, agriculture, IT and logistics.
Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across several key sectors and committed to finalising the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The understanding was reached during the 3rd Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting between Pakistan and Bahrain, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and visiting Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
Speaking at a joint press stakeout following the meeting, Dar said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, industry, agriculture and food security, higher education, information technology, logistics and maritime affairs.
The two countries also agreed to enhance collaboration in energy, sports, tourism and business-to-business activities, while setting a target of doubling bilateral trade within three years.
Dar said Pakistan and Bahrain had signed the protocol of the third session of the Joint Ministerial Commission and agreed to convene the fourth session within a year.
He described the meeting as comprehensive and productive, saying a key outcome was the strengthening of the institutional framework through the operationalisation of several joint working groups. These groups are expected to facilitate regular engagement and implementation of decisions reached by the two sides.
Both countries also welcomed increasing engagement between their business communities and recognised the contribution of the Pakistani community in Bahrain as an important link between the two countries.
Pakistan and Bahrain further agreed to strengthen cooperation in labour mobility, vocational training and human resource development, with the aim of creating more opportunities for skilled Pakistani professionals and workers.
The two sides also discussed regional developments and stressed the importance of restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. They highlighted the need to ensure safe and unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-ul-Mandeb.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts for regional peace and stability, while reiterating the country’s support for the Palestinian people and their rights. Both sides called for unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza and backed a just and lasting solution in line with relevant UN resolutions.
On the Indus Waters Treaty, Dar said India’s unilateral decision to place the treaty in abeyance constituted a breach of international law and could threaten Pakistan’s water, food and energy security.
On Afghanistan, he stressed the importance of ensuring that foreign territory is not used for activities against Pakistan.
Al Zayani noted that Pakistan and Bahrain will mark 55 years of diplomatic relations on 14 October, describing the relationship as one based on brotherhood, trust and solidarity.
He also highlighted recent high-level engagement, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Bahrain in November 2025 and President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit in January 2026.
The Bahraini foreign minister said Pakistan-Bahrain relations were highly valued by the Bahraini people and praised the contribution of more than 140,000 Pakistanis living in Bahrain.
He said the two countries maintained a strong relationship based on mutual understanding and were determined to implement the JMC outcomes for the peace, stability and prosperity of both countries and the wider region.